Bristol, Rhode Island - The Most Famous Tombstone In New England

Address:: 48 Court Street, Bristol, RI [Show Map]
Directions:: Bristol Historical & Preservation Society
Hours:: M-W 1-5, also Su 1-4 in summer. (Call to verify)
Phone:: 401-253-7223

Visitor Tips and News About The Most Famous Tombstone In New England

Following are The Most Famous Tombstone In New England reports and tips that were sent in by RoadsideAmerica.com visitors like you, as well as news stories about the attraction. Submit your own tip or update. Some tips may not be verified -- please contact attraction for current hours and admission prices.

Bristol, Rhode Island - The Most Famous Tombstone In New England

Sarah Swan died April 17, 1767, at age 20. Her headstone was carved by a cousin, William Coy (who was only 19), and was topped with a lavish carving of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden It is -- according to curator Ray Battcher -- the most famous headstone in New England because Puritans didn't ordinarily place that type of ornamentation on their headstones. Weren't Puritans already 100 years past their prime in 1767?

The tombstone is no longer outside, but is tucked into a corner of Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, which is in an 1828 Bristol County jail that still has its original cells. [RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 04/18/2007]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Train-Augmented McDonald's, Fall River, MA - 6 mi.
Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, MA - 6 mi.
Battleship Massachusetts, Fall River, MA - 6 mi.
The Feet and the Wave, Newport, RI - 13 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the US and Canada are our special obsession. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.