NewsWFLA News TampaAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough
Hickman County families report destruction of 19th-century cemetery
Families in Hickman County, Tennessee, have discovered that a 19th-century cemetery containing the remains of their ancestors was bulldozed. The headstones from the site were reportedly removed and discarded in nearby woods.
Read the full story at WFLA News TampaWhy It Matters
The destruction of a historical burial site impacts the rights of families to maintain the resting places of their ancestors and raises questions regarding property protections for historical cemeteries.
Key Facts
- A 19th-century cemetery in Hickman County, Tennessee, was destroyed by bulldozing.
- The remains of individuals buried at the site were disturbed.
- Headstones from the cemetery were removed from their original locations and discarded in the woods.
Who's Mentioned
personJenifer Ardry“Family member of those buried at the site.”personRichard Ardry“Family member of those buried at the site.”locationHickman County“Location of the cemetery and the sheriff's office.”personWilliam Ardry“Family member of those buried at the site.”organizationHickman County Sheriff’s Office“Conducting the investigation.”personJordan Norvell“Family member of those buried at the site.”locationOld Primitive Baptist Cemetery“The cemetery site that was bulldozed.”organization32nd Judicial District State Attorney’s Office“Collaborating on the investigation.”locationTennessee“The state where the incident took place.”personTerry Chandler“Family member of those buried at the site.”