Old Commons Burial Ground | Little Compton

Information

Landmark: Old Commons Burial Ground
City: Little Compton
Country: USA Rhode Island
Continent: North America

Old Commons Burial Ground, Little Compton, USA Rhode Island, North America

The Old Commons Burial Ground is a historic cemetery located in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

It serves as a repository of local history through its gravestones and landscape.

Visual Characteristics

The burial ground features a collection of granite and slate gravestones, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The stones exhibit varying degrees of erosion and lichen growth. The landscape is characterized by mature trees, primarily oak and maple, providing partial canopy cover. The ground surface is primarily grass with some exposed soil in older sections.

Location & Access Logistics

The Old Commons Burial Ground is situated at the intersection of Commons Road and West Main Road (RI-179) in Little Compton. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers west of the town center. Parking is available on the shoulder of Commons Road adjacent to the cemetery entrance. No public transport directly serves the site; nearest bus routes operate along RI-179, requiring a walk of approximately 1 kilometer.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in the late 17th century, the Old Commons Burial Ground is one of the earliest public cemeteries in Little Compton. It was designated as a common burial ground to serve the growing colonial population. The site is situated on glacial till, a common soil type in the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe and document historical gravestones, many of which bear inscriptions from early settlers. The site is suitable for quiet contemplation and historical research. No organized tours are offered.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no restroom facilities or designated shade structures within the burial ground. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located on-site; nearest services are in the Little Compton town center.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on gravestone inscriptions, early morning or late afternoon is recommended, particularly during spring and autumn. Weather is generally mild from May through October. No tidal considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature is the presence of numerous "death's head" gravestones, a common motif in early New England funerary art, depicting a skull with wings. Local lore suggests that some of the oldest unmarked graves belong to individuals who died during early colonial epidemics.