Purchase Books on Southeastern Connecticut History & Genealogy
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New London, Connecticut & one of the oldest in New England Ye Antientest Burial Ground between Hempstead and Huntington Streets just outside of downtown New London was set aside for burial in 1652 and many of the early settlers, several of whom played important roles in this country's history, are interred there. Also in the cemetery are some of the oldest-known graves of early Black colonists. It was maintained by the town until 1793 and families owning plots continued to use it until 1845. the 29th yr of her age Inscriptions on older tombstones have often by eroded by three centuries of seasonal changes, but a few can still be made out: Mr Peter Bradly Who Died August 1687 Aged 28 years Mrs Mary Christophers y wife of Mr Christopher Christophers who died Jly ... Anno 1676 ... in y 59 years of her age Looking up from near the bottom of the cemetery, you see irregular rows of black, grey, lichen-covered, decaying tombstones shilhouetted at varying degrees of attention against the sky. Observing that scene, you may fancy yourself back in early Puritan New England and feel close to those hardy souls who forged a nation. (8 tenths of mile) Drive south on Eugene O'Neill Drive to end. Right on Tilley. Go up hill on Huntington. Pass Courthouse on left. After St. James Episcopal Church on right, take left at Bulkeley Place, go right at Gov Winthrop statue onto Hempstead Street. Cemetery is on right. To walk: Go north on Eugene O'Neill one block to State Street. Go left and walk to top of street. Go right on Huntington. Continue on Huntington for about half a mile. Cemetery is on left. permission of The Oldham Publishing Service (T.O.P.S.) is prohibited. |