Arnold Burying Ground
Encyclopedia
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
that is burial place of Rhode Island Governor Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold (governor)
Benedict Arnold was president and then governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, serving for a total of 11 years in these roles. Coming from Somerset, England, he was born and raised in the town of Ilchester, likely attending school in Limington, nearby...
, the ancestor of traitor Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold V was a general during the American Revolutionary War. He began the war in the Continental Army but later defected to the British Army. While a general on the American side, he obtained command of the fort at West Point, New York, and plotted to surrender it to the British forces...
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The cemetery was founded in 1675 as the family burying ground for the Arnold family of Newport who emigrated to Rhode Island from Great Britain in the 17th century. Governor Benedict Arnold, his wife, and many of his family are buried in the cemetery. For many years the cemetery was buried under a garden in the back yard of a residence, but in 1949 a major renovation began whereby all the stones were unearthed, cleaned, and returned to their original positions. While there is no inscription on the slabs covering the graves of the governor and his wife, the graves are marked with medallions. The cemetery is currently owned and maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County
Preservation Society of Newport County
The Preservation Society of Newport County is a private, non-profit organization based in Newport, Rhode Island. It is Rhode Island's largest and most-visited cultural organization. The organization's mission is to preserve the architectural heritage of Newport County, Rhode Island, including...
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