Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery

The Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery is a historic burial site at Newport's northern edge containing over 5,000 graves spread across multiple acres. The headstones range from early slate markers to elaborate marble monuments, reflecting different eras and craftsmanship traditions.

The cemetery was established in 1665 when Reverend John Clarke donated land, becoming Newport's primary burial ground during colonial times. It holds the remains of colonial governors and William Ellery, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The cemetery holds God's Little Acre, a section with headstones belonging to African Americans from colonial times, telling stories often overlooked in Newport's history. This area reflects how different communities shared the burial ground, even when their narratives remained largely unknown.

The grounds are expansive and best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and plan time to read the various headstones and monuments. Visitors can walk among the graves themselves during open hours or ask for assistance with genealogical research and records.

A notable spot within the grounds is the circular Belmont plot, where Commodore Matthew Perry rests beneath an elegant marble sarcophagus. This location features a Beaux-Arts exedra designed by the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt.

Location: Newport

GPS coordinates: 41.49639,-71.31556

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42