FRANKFORD, Del.- Archaeologists discovered what appears to be the site of an African American cemetery near Frankford.

The Delaware State Historic Preservation Office says there are at least nine graves on the property, known as the Orr Property or Hall Plantation.

Historians also said they found a headstone with clear name markings on it. It reads, C.S. Hall, followed by the lines “Co. K, 32nd U.S.C.T.” According to the department, those markings are an abbreviation for a unit comprised of African American soldiers during the Civil War.

There is no information about the identities of the burial sites or which grave site the headstone belonged to. The state's preservation office also said they have not yet confirmed whether the find includes remains of enslaved persons. That discovery would need to be confirmed through archeology or review of the historical record, according to the department.

“I would also like to thank the neighbors nearby for their role in calling attention to the presence of a cemetery here,” Tim Slavin, director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, said. “Their recollections and local knowledge about the site and its location were key to discovering these burials. They spoke up, and thanks to them we can add a new page to Delaware history.”

Back in November, the Sussex County Council approved townhouse development on the site. The landowner told the state that the cemetery will be preserved and they will work together to preserve the area.