Richmond hiker grows solo walks into 5,000-member history group

Dennis Bussey wanted a hiking partner. Fourteen years later, he leads a group of 5,000 members.

Bussey, who resides in Lexington, Virginia, founded James River Hikers after walking the river alone for a year and a half. The group describes itself as hiking with history. He searched online for companions, and the first meetup attracted about seven people. That initial gathering took place 14 years ago.

The organization has expanded to 5,000 participants. Members engage in hikes, historical tours, and social events. One major volunteer project involves cleaning gravestones at Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond.

The cemetery holds the remains of notable Virginia figures. These include James Marshall, the nation's fourth chief justice. It also contains the graves of Elizabeth Van Lew, a Civil War Union spy and abolitionist, and Dr. William Foushee, the first mayor of Richmond.

When the group began its work, many headstones were illegible. Volunteers started scrubbing the stones after receiving permission from the city. Bussey noted that Foushee was buried 201 years ago and his marker was completely black. The group has visited the site for the 65th time to perform this maintenance.

Bussey stated that the group has cleaned approximately 70% of the stones in the cemetery. Volunteers meet twice a month to perform the labor. The project relies on donations and grants to cover costs. Bussey said the work allows members to honor these historical figures in a proper manner. He called the effort a win-win for everyone involved.

The group continues to combine outdoor recreation with community service. The members maintain their routine of monthly cleanings at Shockoe Hill Cemetery.