The Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground is the older of two African Burial Grounds in the city of Richmond, Virginia. It was historically known as the Burial Ground for Negroes, which is the name by which it appeared on the 1809 Richard Young Plan of the city of Richmond. It is believed to have been established in 1799. It was a municipal burial ground for both enslaved and free people of color. It was actively used for burials until its closure in 1816. The land was not well suited for burials, as every hard rain caused great disturbance to the burial ground. It was also the site of the city gallows, and the powder magazine. Christopher McPherson and other free people of color petitioned the city for a new more suitable burial ground beginning in 1810. In 1816 the city of Richmond finally responded by establishing what is now known as the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground at 1305 N 5th St., about a mile and a half away. It was upon its opening that the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground was closed.

The Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground was believed for many years to have been the location of the execution and burial site of Gabriel, the leader of a major slave rebellion, and several of his followers. However, recent research has shown that Gabriel may have be executed at another location, and his place of burial is unknown. However, the Gabriel Gathering, an annual event celebrated at the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground during the month of October to honor Gabriel and all of those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom, is still held at the site.

No known burial records survive for the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground. The number of interments made at the Burial Ground is also unknown.