Buried Eastern Connecticut: Early Graves of the Constitution State

As one of the thirteen original colonies, Connecticut holds an indelible place in the establishment of the United States of America. For some, historical burying grounds east of the Connecticut River may just be a rustic backdrop to everyday life, rather than a wealth of cultural knowledge.

But when we venture into the oldest resting places that Connecticut has to offer, a rich tapestry of history, art, and legacy begins to emerge. Familiar town names like Putnam and Ledyard take on new meanings as the men behind them are immortalized in their resting places. The uncomfortable history of enslaved individuals during the colonial era becomes more distinct, and social dynamics are reflected in the treatment of historical graveyards. The realities of colonial life are documented in the markers that show lives cut short, serving as a stark reminder of the progress of intervening years. Insights afforded to us by wandering through the burying grounds of Connecticut’s past are endless.

This book aims to encompass the sites that define the start of Eastern Connecticut's recorded history, paying tribute to historical individuals and groups from all walks of life through the consideration of their graves.