To fully tell the story of Alexandria’s lynching history, the City of Alexandria wants to document not only the incidents but also stories from descendants. If you are related to one of the lynching victims, or if you are a descendant of anyone involved in the Joseph McCoy lynching (April 23, 1897) or Benjamin Thomas lynching (August 8, 1899), we want to hear from you.

Please share your story and contact information with the historians of the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project. If you are a descendant, and feel comfortable sharing your family story, our historians can assist you in being part of the Alexandria project history. Your information will not be shared. Your name will not be made public unless you grant permission and then only on your terms. We want document these two lynchings as completely as possible. Our goal is to create an unbiased and accurate account of the lynching’s in 1897 and 1899. We believe family histories can aid in a better understanding of race relations in Alexandria and the Commonwealth. Your history could help move our community toward a city-wide understanding of racial terror and its impact on communities. Finally, it also hoped this important project will bring all races together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope.

Do you have family history related to Alexandria’s 19th century lynchings? Contact us to share your story.