Program

Patriot Burials®

Subject

Cemetery, People, Site

Location

4634 Murray Pl, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

Lat/Long

37.369644943463, -79.173559290805

Grant Recipient

Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution

The origins of the American Revolution can be traced back to 1775, when the first shots were fired between colonial and British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Soon after, the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. As the newly formed United States went to war with Great Britain, hundreds of men across the Thirteen Colonies joined the fight. These men came from different walks of life; some were farmers, others were tradesmen, lawyers, doctors and merchants. Despite their differences they desired the same thing: freedom and independence. Colonial forces faced severe challenges, including lack of supplies and military training; however, in the face of obstacles they were undeterred. After nearly 8 years the colonies defeated Great Britain and successfully achieved their independence. It is important to remember the lives and sacrifices made by those who fought for American freedom.

Radcliff Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the community’s early residents. Among those buried here is John Wiatt/Wyatt, who served in Virginia during the Revolutionary War.

Along with his service during the War, John Wiatt/Wyatt, whose last name was spelled both ways interchangeably throughout his life, would also go on to serve as the first mayor of Lynchburg, VA in 1806. Although both his obituary and gravestone refer to him as “Col. John Wiatt,” as of 2024, there are no primary source records that have been located demonstrating this rank, although his service has been verified.

Along with Wiatt, the Radcliff Cemetery is also the site of interment for a War of 1812 veteran and an unknown number of enslaved individuals who were buried in unmarked graves.

To visit the Radcliff Cemetery, turn off of Murray Place onto the side road where the marker is located. Follow that road for approximately a quarter of a mile to the far corner of the complex. The cemetery is in a grouping of trees located near the GPS coordinates noted in the details on the left in this map listing.