If you're looking for a historical mini-road trip, visit the Newark Union graveyard, where seven Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. It's tucked away in a suburban North Wilmington neighborhood off Baynard Boulevard; in fact, a friend who grew up in Shipley Heights had never heard of the place.
The stone walls around the graveyard abut people's backyards, and as we approached it felt like we were driving up someone's driveway. Nonetheless, it was completely peaceful and we spent an enjoyable hour wandering around.
The graveyard is beautifully kept and looked as if it had been mowed within the past few days. Even the 18th-century grave markers were standing upright, and some sunken stones had been raised and put onto new plinths. One stone had just been repaired and still had a brace holding it together. Discreet dots of white spray paint marked the grass at the corner of some of the plots. The marigolds growing on some of the graves were thriving and had very recently been watered.
In addition to the Revolutionary War patriots, there are also veterans from the Civil War and both World Wars. There are also lots of Weldin, Carr and Talley family members, readily recognizable New Castle County surnames. The most recent of the 950 residents was buried only earlier this year.
The graveyard and now-abandoned church are located at 8 Newark Union Road.
These photos of the historical marker on Baynard Boulevard and the plaque on the cemetery wall are from the "Dearly Departed in Delaware" website.
No comments:
Post a Comment