Winslow Cemetery | Taunton

Winslow Cemetery – In Detail
Location: Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield, Massachusetts
Established: Circa 1651
Area: Approximately 3.2 acres
Managed by: Town of Marshfield
Recognition: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2018)

Overview

Winslow Cemetery, also referred to historically as the "Old Winslow Burying Ground," is one of the most historically significant and oldest continuously used cemeteries in New England. Nestled in the coastal town of Marshfield, Massachusetts, the cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to some of the earliest English settlers in America, including Mayflower descendants, prominent colonial leaders, and the family of famed American statesman Daniel Webster.

The cemetery is not only a burial ground but also a tangible archive of early American history, family lineage, and Puritan funerary customs. Its peaceful setting, framed by woods and stone walls, evokes a deep sense of continuity with the past.

Historical Background

The land was originally granted to William Thomas around 1640, a Welsh settler and a close associate of Governor Edward Winslow. Around 1651, Thomas donated a portion of his land to serve as a burial ground and meeting house site for Marshfield’s fledgling colonial community. The earliest known burial is that of Thomas himself in 1651.

The cemetery later became known as Winslow Cemetery due to the prominence of the Winslow family in Marshfield. Edward Winslow, one of the original Mayflower passengers and a three-time Governor of Plymouth Colony, had established his estate nearby at Green Harbor. His descendants, along with members of other notable families, are interred here.

Notable Burials

Daniel Webster (1782–1852):
One of the most prominent American statesmen of the 19th century, Webster served as a U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and a leading voice in preserving the Union before the Civil War. His gravesite is marked by a prominent granite monument and is a key feature of the cemetery. A nearby plaque commemorates his political legacy and connection to Marshfield, where he lived on a large estate.

Colonel Fletcher Webster:
Daniel Webster’s son, Fletcher, was a Union officer in the American Civil War. He died heroically at the Second Battle of Bull Run in 1862 and is buried beside his father.

Peregrine White:
Regarded as the first English child born to the Pilgrims in the New World, Peregrine was born aboard the Mayflower in Provincetown Harbor in 1620. He later became a militia captain and prominent citizen of Marshfield.

Resolved White and Susanna White:
Resolved was Peregrine’s elder brother, and their mother, Susanna White, later remarried Edward Winslow. They were among the earliest Pilgrim settlers and are buried alongside family members.

The Winslow Lineage:
Graves of multiple generations of the Winslow family are located here, including Kenelm Winslow, Josiah Winslow, and Isaac Winslow, all key figures in colonial and local governance.

Cemetery Features

Fieldstone and Slate Headstones:
The earliest graves were marked with uncarved or crudely etched fieldstones. These are rare and represent early Puritan burial traditions, favoring simplicity over ornamentation. Later markers include ornately carved slate stones featuring death’s heads, cherubs, and symbolic inscriptions typical of 17th- and 18th-century New England funerary art.

Settlers’ Memorial:
A tall obelisk-style granite monument honors the founding families of Marshfield, with names such as Edward Winslow, Susanna White, and Peregrine White prominently listed. This memorial is a relatively recent addition but serves as a focal point for those tracing family heritage and Pilgrim roots.

Grave Layout:
The cemetery follows an irregular, non-grid pattern common to early colonial graveyards. Paths are grassy and winding, and markers are placed without modern rows. The terrain is slightly sloped, with mature trees offering a canopy of shade.

Cultural and Genealogical Importance

Winslow Cemetery serves as a key pilgrimage site for those tracing Mayflower ancestry or researching New England genealogy. It provides one of the most concentrated and accessible sites for early colonial family burials outside of Plymouth itself. The site is used frequently by historians, genealogists, and members of lineage societies such as the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.

In addition, the cemetery contributes to the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail, acknowledging later waves of immigrant settlement in Marshfield and the diverse tapestry of its burial population over time.

Preservation and Recognition

In 2018, the cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its exceptional historic value, unique fieldstone markers, and association with nationally significant figures. The Town of Marshfield maintains the site, preserving its condition and ensuring respectful access for visitors and family descendants.

Ongoing preservation efforts aim to protect delicate gravestones, prevent erosion, and manage vegetation growth. Volunteers and local historians often contribute to documentation projects and restoration work.

Visiting Information

Hours: Open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk

Access: Located off Winslow Cemetery Road, easily reachable from Route 139

Parking: Limited roadside parking available

Best Season to Visit: Spring through autumn for optimal weather and visibility

Guidelines: Visitors are asked to respect the historic nature of the site-no rubbings, climbing, or disturbing stones

Tours: Occasionally offered by local historical societies and Pilgrim descendant groups

Summary

Winslow Cemetery is not merely a burial site; it is a living chronicle of early American life. From the worn fieldstones of Pilgrim settlers to the grand monument of Daniel Webster, the cemetery reflects the deep historical roots and cultural legacy of Marshfield and the broader Plymouth Colony. Whether you're a descendant of the Mayflower, a student of history, or a quiet traveler seeking to reflect, Winslow Cemetery offers a profound connection to the foundations of American identity.