Newport is fortunate to have numerous historic burial sites that are a short stroll from other attractions in the city. Not only is the city’s history told in these sites but they are also outdoor art museum featuring colonial era carved gravestones. The self-guided tours allows visitors to explore a few of these treasured sites.
Newport Historic Cemetery Commission Self-Guided Tours:
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Clifton Self-Guided Tour
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Braman Self-Guided Tour
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Coddington Self-Guided Tour
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Common Burying Ground Self-Guided Tour
To download the self-guided walking tour app, click
here
Newport's history is reflected in its many burial sites and grave markers. The Common Burying Ground is the final resting place of 85% of the city's colonial population and includes the grave of William Ellery, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Ida Lewis, Newport's most famous lighthouse keeper rests in this site as well as numerous other notable people. The north section of the site is known as God's Little Acre and it is the largest burial site with head stones for colonial people of African Heritage in the country. The site is also an outdoor museum of one of the earliest forms of American art, gravestone carving. While many New England carvers have stones here, the work of the Stevens family is the main attraction. John Stevens began carving gravestones in Newport in 1705 and six generations of the family continued the tradition into the 20th century. Since that time the shop has been in the esteemed hands of the Benson family, America's premier stone carvers. In addition to the Common Burying Ground, the Clifton Burial Ground, the Coddington Burial Site, and the Braman Cemetery are all worthy of a visit.
