Colonel Miles Cary Historic Cemetery

The Colonel Miles Cary Historic Cemetery in Newport News, VA, USA, is a remarkable site steeped in history and filled with unique attributes. As you step into this cemetery, you are transported back in time to the early days of colonial America, where stories of bravery, love, loss, and triumph intertwine among the weathered gravestones that have stood watch over these hallowed grounds for centuries. The cemeterys namesake, Colonel Miles Cary, was a prominent figure in colonial Virginia during the 17th and 18th centuries. As you stroll through the cemetery, you will notice its unique attributes - the combination of well-preserved and weathered headstones, the intricate carvings, and the enigmatic symbols etched into some stones. These markers not only represent the final resting place of those interred here but also serve as a window into the past, providing clues about their lives, beliefs, and occupations. One of the most striking features of the cemetery is the ornate ironwork fences that surround many of the older graves. These fences were crafted by skilled blacksmiths in the early 18th century, demonstrating the high level of artistry prevalent at the time. Some fences even bear the unmistakable initials MC, a testament to their connection to the Cary family. As you wander among the graves, you will encounter fascinating stories of those who rest here. For example, there is the tale of Captain Thomas Griggs, an Englishman who arrived in Virginia in 1635 and became one of the colonys most successful tobacco merchants. His headstone features a unique carving of a ship, symbolizing his life at sea and his career as a mariner. Another fascinating figure buried within the cemetery is Ann Cary Ambler, known as The Belle of Yorktown. She was an accomplished poet and songwriter who composed verses and melodies that captured the spirit of colonial America. Her grave is marked by a simple yet elegant stone, adorned with her name and the dates of her life: 1736-1805. As you continue to explore the cemetery, you will encounter countless stories of love, loss, and resilience. The weathered stones stand as silent sentinels, bearing witness to centuries of change and the enduring legacy of those who lie beneath them. In conclusion, the Colonel Miles Cary Historic Cemetery is a treasure trove of historical intrigue and captivating stories. Each gravestone, each ironwork fence, and every symbol etched into stone tells a tale of people who lived during Americas formative years. As you walk through this hallowed ground, allow yourself to be transported back in time, imagining the lives and loves of those long since passed away but whose stories live on within these historic walls.