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 Loyalist Burial Ground - St. Stephen, NB Posted by:  T0SHEA
N 45° 11.790 W 067° 16.454
19T E 635551 N 5006228
A late 18th century cemetery cemetery, The old Loyalist Burial Ground was begun by British Empire Loyalists fleeing from the newly formed United States of America.
Waymark Code: WMPTR7
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Date Posted: 10/19/2015
Views: 15
In use from 1784 until 1859, when the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery opened, the burial ground originally contained the remains of essentially all of the Loyalists who settled in the St. Stephen area. After the new cemetery opened in 1859 many of the remains were relocated there, though many remain in this burial ground, many in unmarked graves. Many of the tombstones have been vandalized and broken over the years, with several of them gathered together in a raised bed toward the rear of the cemetery.
The burial ground underwent a substantial restoration in 2008, at which time a black granite plaque bearing the following text was installed.
At the end of the American Revolution, Loyalists were forced to flee for their lives. On May 23, 1784, a destitute group of about 200 including men, women, and children, led by Capt. Nehemiah Marks, steered up the St. Croix River to the head of tide and landed on the Canadian banks of the St. Croix.
For their loyalty, King George III granted them land, which over time they made prosperous. A large community grew around shipbuilding and lumbering industries. It became the Town of St. Stephen in 1871.
This monument recognizes the founders of our community, their spouses and their progeny who also are buried here. These men and women struggled and succeeded. They created the foundation for all we enjoy today. We pray this hallowed ground serves as a contemporary reminder of their tenacity and hard work.
Loyalist Burial Ground Restoration Committee 2008 Loyalist Burial Ground
DESCRIPTION OF HISTORIC PLACE
Loyalist Burial Ground is a late 18th century cemetery located on the east side of King Street in St. Stephen. It is the final resting place for many Loyalists settlers in St. Stephen.
HERITAGE VALUE
Loyalist Burial Ground is designated a Local Historic Place for being the final resting place of many Loyalists and for being one of the oldest cemeteries in the St. Stephen area.
In 1784, by a grant under the Great Seal of Nova Scotia, the Loyalists were granted Garden Lots in the Jones Division. Lot# 13 on the east side of King's Mast Road, known now as King Street, was granted to James Waller, who was an Armed Boatman under the command of Captain Nehemiah Marks. All lots were 6 rods wide and 23 rods deep (30.5m by 115.5m). Captain Nehemiah Marks purchased the lot for 5 pounds and conveyed it to the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of the Church of England Parish to be used as a burial ground. The burial ground continued to be used until 1859 when the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery opened and many of the remains in the Loyalist Cemetery were relocated there.
CHARACTER-DEFINING ELEMENTS
- mature trees, lawn and landscaping;
- cement and wrought iron entrance arch;
- chain fence;
- tombstones.
From Historic Places Canada
Earliest Burial: 01/01/1784
Latest Burial: 01/01/1859
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Visit Instructions:
Take a photo of at least one grave marker and including a qualitative and quantitative description
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