Spring a Revealing Time Of Year To Discover Old New York Graves

I am fascinated by the amount of history we have around us in the Hudson Valley. It almost seems like it is too much to grasp. Historical places seem to be around every corner.

The Hudson Valley lays claim to being the home of the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in America, which would be Huguenot Street in New Paltz, New York.

There is so much to see and do in our area when it comes to history. Geologically we have our glaciated Valley. When you look at Presidents of the United States we go back to President number one with Washington's Head Quarters in Newburgh. Not to mention that the Hudson Valley is also home to the United States Military Academy West Point.

Hudson Valley Cemeteries Contain Lots of History

With that much recorded history, there is another thing that the Hudson Valley has plenty of and that is historic cemeteries.

Tracing history through cemeteries is something I love to do. If you haven't had a chance to go to the cemetery at West Point it is worth the trip. If you didn't know it is the resting place of many notable military men and women. It is the resting place of LTC George Armstrong Custer who graduated from West Point with the Class of 1861.

What You Find in Small Old Hudson Valley Cemeteries

Big cemeteries with notable graves are interesting but what I find more fascinating is the smaller cemeteries where possibly less notable people are buried.

I am talking about small family plots and old small-town burial sites that will be located in what seems to be a random location until you look back on an old county map.

PC: Dave Peck via Find A Grave

I like to call this time of year graveyard discovery season. Later winter and early spring seem to be a good time to spot an old cemetery on the side of the road or possibly a trail in the woods like the rail trail or the D & H Canal Linear Park.

Another great way to spot old cemeteries is simply by driving around on old back roads.

How to Find out More About an Old Hudson Valley Graveyard

Once I find an old cemetery I investigate the names if there are still headstones visible. It is amazing what you will uncover. A great source to check once you find an old burial site is Grave Finder or Find A Grave. They often have a wealth of information about the cemeteries and who is buried there.

I will be out looking for new places to discover in the next few weeks. I will be sure to share what I uncover.

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Old Cemeteries in Ulster County New York

These old cemeteries are scattered throughout Ulster County, New York. If you are familiar with the area you have most likely driven by one. My question is have you ever stopped and taken a moment to think about history? Some of the people in these old family plots lived in the Hudson Valley during the 1700s. One thing I do ask is if you do come across an old cemetery please be respectful. These grounds are someone's final resting place they should be treated that way no matter how you find them. Taking anything other than possibly a stone rubbing or a photo is unacceptable.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

Wright Cemetery On Route 52 in Stormville, NY

The Wright Burial Ground located on Route 52 between Stormville and Pecksville, NY started to come to people's attention again most for its current condition. It has been located in the same spot since the early 1800s but recent brush clearly has brought its rough condition to people's attention. Broken headstones scattered about on the shoulder of the road have people asking what can be done to care for them going forward.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

Source: A Revealing Time Of Year To Discover Old New York Graves