The Harsh Graves of the Pilgrims - Cole's Hill, Plymouth

The Harsh Graves of the Pilgrims - Cole's Hill, Plymouth

Tread the ground where the Pilgrims buried their dead, when graveyard etiquette wasn't a thing and the cemetery was a steep hill. Cole's Hill, Massachusetts - where half of the Pilgrims perished, thousands of years ago.

Standing tall in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Cole's Hill was the Pilgrims' first burial ground in their new, unfamiliar land. But it wasn't just any burial ground. Faced with harsh conditions like steep slopes and roaming livestock, the Pilgrims had to rely on a centuries-old custom, known as 'principles', to keep the graves clean and secure. One could say this custom is a tale, both intriguing and, in its way, tragic.

Cole's Hill is named after James Cole, who built a tavern on the site in 1633. It's said he had a compelling connection to the Bible, which only adds to the mystique of the place.

Today, Cole's Hill is a National Historic Landmark, still a vital part of Plymouth's rich history, and a must-visit for anyone seeking a glimpse of America's past.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Friendly Jane

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