G for Graveyard
GRAVESTONES in the Colchester Burying Ground
The Colchester Burying Ground is one of the finest old burial grounds in Eastern Connecticut. The earliest recorded grave marker, though no longer standing, dates to 1713, and the remaining (readable) gravestones range from 1728 to 1869.
The story of our past is told through the many names, dates, and inscriptions left behind in this ancient cemetery. It is the resting place of many notable Colchester citizens including members from the Bulkeley, Champion, Bigelow, Watrous, and Isham families.
Gravestone carvers used common symbols of the period to express the loss of the departed. We are fortunate in New England to have had many notable gravestone makers and carvers. Among them were John Isham of Westchester, Obadiah Wheeler of Lebanon, Gershom Bartlett of Bolton, and Josiah Manning and his sons.
Area carvers primarily used granite, marble, or brownstone. Brownstone was mined locally from the Middletown-Portland area and due to its sandstone composition has severely deteriorated over the years. However, many of the remaining stones in the Colchester burying ground have survived over 200 years and are in excellent condition.
This photograph is a partial view of GRAVESTONES in the Burying Ground at sunset. It was taken by Colchester resident and photographer Mary Ann Lewis.
