Little Compton, RI
And right smack dab in the middle of this beautiful area is a true treat, The Little Compton Town Cemetery. Now normally I'll admit I'm not a cemetery buff, but this one is absolutely amazing. It's located in the center of the Commons Area, a central square with little restaurants, a church, a great market, and a school just off of Highway 77.
The Little Compton Cemetery
In the cemetery, you'll find graves dating back to the late 1600s and early 1700s. Most notably you'll find Elizabeth Pabodie (Peabody) who is alleged to have been the first child of European settlers (who arrived on the Mayflower) born in New England. Interestingly, I recently discovered that she is an ancestor of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who referenced her parents in the poem "The Courtship of Miles Standish."
The Grave of Elizabeth Pabodie
Aside from Mrs. Pabodie there are also an amazing amount of veterans in this cemetery. From those who fought in the French-American War, the Revolutionary War, to those in the War of 1812.
Soldier's Graves in Little Compton, RI
(Image Courtesy of vastpublicindifference.blogspot.com)
Aside from the graveyard, there are many more things to do and see in Little Compton. So many in fact that I'll save them for some later posts. Enjoy for now and remember to stop back and look for new destinations around Rhode Island.
Directions:
From Providence
I-195 East into Massachusetts
Hwy 24 South back into Rhode Island
Hwy 77 Towards Tiverton/Rhode Island
Left on Meeting House Lane
Continue Until You See the Graveyard
Hint: Coming up are guides to the unknown beaches of Rhode Island, a look at some of the best, but least well-known places to eat, and finally some of the most random things you're likely to see anywhere.
