Providence, Rhode Island: Killer Cannonball on Victim's Grave

John Rogers Vinton was killed in the Mexican-American War when a cannonball hit him in the head. That same cannonball garnishes his hilltop tombstone.

Swan Point Cemetery

Address:: 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI
Directions:: Swan Point Cemetery. From north: I-95 exit 27. Turn south onto US 1, in two blocks veer left onto George St, which turns into E St; continue 0.8 miles, turn left on Blackstone Blvd; Swan Point Cemetery 2nd left. From South: I-195 exit 3, turn right on Gano St; head north and turn right on Waterman St; at second light, turn left onto Butler Ave; Butler turns into Blackstone Blvd; Swan Point Cemetery is 1.7 miles on right. Enter front gates and ask for directions to the grave. Group 267 on hill.
Hours:: Gates open M-F 8:30-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 401-272-1314
Admission:: Free. No photos permitted.

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Cannonball on a grave.

Killer Cannonball on Victim's Grave

The grave is on Chapel Avenue and you can get a map at the office.

[Barbara, 10/07/2019]

Killer Cannonball on Victim's Grave

On March 22, 1847, during the Battle of Veracruz in the Mexican-American War, Major John Rogers Vinton was hit in the head and killed by a ricocheting cannonball. Major Vinton's body was returned to his native Rhode Island, where he was interred in a plot surrounded by columns resembling upright cannons. His actual grave marker is topped by an artillery shell -- the same one that killed him! A fitting tribute? A misguided and macabre display? You be the judge.

[Kurt Deion / kurtshistoricsites.com, 05/26/2018]