Plymouth Mystery Tombstone | Scarborough

Information

Landmark: Plymouth Mystery Tombstone
City: Scarborough
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
Continent: North America

Plymouth Mystery Tombstone, Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, North America

The Plymouth Mystery Tombstone is a granite marker located in the village of Plymouth, near Scarborough, on the island of Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago.

Visual Characteristics

The tombstone is a rectangular granite slab, approximately 1.5 meters in height and 0.6 meters in width. It is weathered, with some moss growth on its surface. The inscription is largely illegible due to erosion, but faint outlines of lettering are discernible.

Location & Access Logistics

The tombstone is situated on the western edge of Plymouth village, approximately 10 kilometers west of Scarborough. Access is via the Claude Noel Highway, turning onto Milford Road towards Plymouth. Parking is available on the roadside adjacent to the site. No public transport routes directly serve the immediate vicinity of the tombstone; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle or taxi from Scarborough.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The origin and purpose of the Plymouth Mystery Tombstone are unknown. Local folklore suggests it may be a marker for an unknown burial or a navigational aid from a past era. Geological analysis indicates the granite is not native to Tobago, suggesting it was transported to the island.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the tombstone's weathered inscription. Examination of the surrounding coastal landscape. Photography of the site and its context.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no dedicated facilities at the site. Restrooms and food vendors are located in the main village of Plymouth, approximately 500 meters east. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) offers direct sunlight for viewing the inscription. The dry season, from January to May, provides the most favorable weather conditions.

Facts & Legends

A persistent local legend claims the tombstone was placed by a ship captain who lost his entire crew at sea and erected the marker as a memorial, though no historical records support this. Another theory suggests it marks a treasure buried by pirates.