28 enslaved people's graves discovered at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

Newschannel 5 - Dec 17th, 2024
Open on Newschannel 5

The Hermitage in Nashville, a historical site dedicated to Andrew Jackson, has uncovered the graves of 28 enslaved individuals who lived and died on the property. This discovery, made possible by an anonymous donor and advanced technology, connects visitors to the reality of slavery at the site. The foundation is engaging with the community to decide how to honor these individuals, and visitors can now take a tour focusing on the lives of the enslaved. The site aims to foster discussions about the legacy of slavery in America.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed account of the discovery of the graves of enslaved people at the Hermitage, focusing on historical context and current efforts to commemorate these individuals. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and discussing the history of slavery. While the article generally succeeds in presenting the story, there are areas for improvement, particularly in source quality and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately describes the discovery of the graves and provides verifiable information, including quotes from experts involved in the project. It mentions the use of ground-penetrating radar and references historical records to support its claims.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the discovery of the graves and the efforts of the Andrew Jackson Foundation, providing limited perspectives on the broader implications of the findings. It would benefit from including more voices, such as those of descendants or historians, to offer a wider range of viewpoints.

8
Clarity

The article is generally well-written, using clear and neutral language. However, the inclusion of unrelated content towards the end disrupts the logical structure, affecting the overall clarity of the piece.

6
Source quality

The article cites individuals from the Andrew Jackson Foundation and the Vanderbilt Institute of Spatial Research, which are credible sources. However, it lacks external, independent sources or references that could strengthen the credibility of the information presented.

6
Transparency

The article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations that might affect impartiality. Additionally, the closing paragraph introduces unrelated content about a nurse, which may confuse the main narrative and detract from transparency.