Once neglected but newly rehabilitated, one of the Hamptons’ oldest cemeteries holds the grave of Revolutionary War soldiers and once even served as a battleground.
Though located near some of Sag Harbor’s biggest tourist attractions, including the Whalers’ Church, the Old Burying Ground was practically secret for centuries. First used for internment around 1767, it was the village’s cemetery for almost 100 years. Most notably it was a burial site for Revolutionary War soldiers who fought the British during their occupation of Long Island during the war. Look around for revitalization signs, including American flags marking Revolutionary soldiers’ graves. A plucky group of locals is dedicated to preserving the history of the town.
You’ll find the Old Burying Ground practically hidden beyond an unmarked archway in the hedges near the Presbyterian Church. Duck in, look around and appreciate the sudden feeling of serenity that descends over the grounds with its leafy trees and small gravestones.
Walk slowly between the graves, squinting at the now-faded inscriptions that mark the names and ages of the people buried here. Think about the difficulty of life in the 18th century, with almost a third of the graves here being for people under age 20.
Imagine the drama of the battle that was fought at this site. Look for a ridge of earth running diagonally across the top of the hill, the only remains of the earthworks that the British soldiers dug here almost 250 years ago.
The Old Burying Ground feels far away, although it’s in the middle of Sag Harbor. Walk here from the main shopping area of the village in 5 minutes or the port in 8 minutes. The Hampton Jitney, which offers connections throughout the area and to New York City, has a stop a 5-minute walk away. The LIRR station is nearby as well. Street parking is available near to the cemetery, but it can be difficult to find during peak season. The graveyard is open all day however, since it is not lighted, daylight hours are best for visits. Take extreme care around the old monuments.
