Juniper Hill Cemetery

24 Sherry Ave., Bristol, RI
Juniper Hill Cemetery (1856) is significant as a good example of the principles of the rural cemetery movement of the mid-19th century. The quality of its landscape documents several aspects of cemetery design and landscape architecture, as practiced in the 1840s and 1850s.

The rural cemetery movement began in the 1830s and was inspired by romantic notions of nature, art, and death, and was further part of a larger movement to enhance civic life. old burial grounds were said to be overcrowded, unsightly, and dangerous to public health. Mt. Auburn, the first and greatest example of rural cemeteries, was begun in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1831. Rhode Island examples followed: Swan Point, in Providence, in 1847, and River Bend, in Westerly, in 1857. Developers of such "ornamental cemeteries" relied heavily on the landscape design theories of authors such as Andrew Jackson Downing, who believed that a rural cemetery provided an escape from urban life and a pleasant setting in which to contemplate life and death. The traditional gateway established the separation from the working world and helped to create a place of quiet relaxation.

The landscape of the rural cemetery was seen as a sanctuary from the city but also came to be increasingly associated with romantic notions about the sanctity of nature. The cemetery was planned as serene and spacious ground, where the combination of nature and monuments to the dead would provide spiritual uplift to the living, a park and a garden as well as a burying ground. As an early article in the Bristol Phoenix describes the effect: "A morning walk or an evening stroll would serve to calm and subdue angry passions, produced by the conflicting elements of the moral world without, by reflecting on the meek but rigid virtues of those sleeping around them."

In many of its design features, Juniper Hill Cemetery reflects the ideal of an "ornamental cemetery"; its high site with the long view over the harbor, the variable topography, the sweeping masses of trees and shrubby graves, the tree-lined drive, and, above all the curvilinear aspect of its road network.

Juniper Hill Cemetery dates from the 1850s, as Bristol (which had once been an important seaport) was becoming a manufacturing center. Juniper Hill was established by a group of Bristol's prominent citizens. The land had been the farm of Levi DeWolf, a Quaker who regularly climbed Juniper Hill to read his bible.' Levi's daughter, Abbey DeWolf, was his executor; it was she who secured the property from Levi's heirs for the cemetery.

Juniper Hill Cemetery is governed by a superintendent and Board of Directors. George F. Usher, James DeWolf Perry, Byron Diman, Ambrose E. Burnside, James H. West, Charles H.R. Doringh, and Lemuel W. Briggs created the corporation, chartered in 1864.
After securing the property, the stockholders immediately hired the surveyor Niles Bierragaard Schubarth, to plot the cemetery grounds. Schubarth, a master draftsman, was also recognized as a civil engineer, architect, and landscape gardener. His career was "indicative of a largely unexplored group of nineteenth-century landscape architects, who while working as civil engineers progressively ventured into landscape gardening."2 In addition to Juniper Hill Cemetery, Schubarth made the 1845 improvements to North Burial Ground in Providence, completed Swan Point Cemetery (1847) in Providence, and designed River Bend Cemetery (1857) in Westerly.
The landscape work was performed by John DeWolf By 1858 many of the avenues and paths were laid out to emulate natural topography. The granite blasted from the ledge during construction was saved to build the Gate Lodge and the stone wall surrounding the grounds.

The trustees recognized the importance of preserving the lines of the original layout and prohibited proprietors from changing the grade of their lot by more than six inches. In addition, fences and curbs intended to designate plots were prohibited unless established upon the original survey line or parallel lines. Family plots at Juniper Hill are laid out in 19th-century fashion: several generations are buried together with each member's space designated by a small marker grouped around a large family monument. The Juniper Hill Cemetery includes family lots for some important Bristol families: Colts, DeWolfs, Herreshoffs, Knowltons, Dimans.
Local significance of the site:
Landscape Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The first organized polo game in the United States was played in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1876.
Bristol County, Rhode Island, has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people, the area was later settled by English colonists. The town of Bristol was officially established in 1680 and quickly became an important center for maritime trade and fishing due to its prime location on Narragansett Bay.

During the American Revolution, Bristol played a significant role in the fight for independence. The town was heavily involved in privateering, a practice where privately owned ships were authorized by the government to attack and capture enemy vessels. Many Bristol sailors served on these privateers, contributing to the success of the American cause.

In the 19th century, Bristol experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity. Industries such as shipbuilding, textiles, and manufacturing thrived, leading to an increase in population and wealth. The town's maritime heritage continued to play a vital role, with bustling wharves and a busy harbor serving as vital links for trade and commerce.

Today, Bristol County remains an important historic and cultural destination. The town of Bristol is home to numerous historic sites and landmarks, including the Independence Park, which contains the 1783 DeWolf Tavern, a National Historic Landmark. The annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade is also a major attraction, known as the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States.

Overall, Bristol County, RI, boasts a long and storied history, from its Native American roots to its significant contributions to the American Revolution and its prosperous maritime heritage. The town's historical sites and traditions continue to be cherished by residents and attract visitors from near and far.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bristol County, Rhode Island.

  • 1680: Bristol County is founded as part of Plymouth Colony.
  • 1747: Bristol County becomes part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1747-1774: Bristol experiences economic growth through the Triangular Trade, involving rum, slaves, and molasses.
  • 1776: The Revolutionary War begins and Bristol County plays a significant role in supporting the American cause.
  • 1777: Rhode Island declares independence from Britain and Bristol County becomes part of the newly formed state.
  • 1790s: Bristol County experiences industrial growth with the establishment of mills and factories.
  • 1835: The town of Bristol is incorporated.
  • 1820s-1840s: Bristol's economy booms with the rise of the maritime industry.
  • 1861-1865: Many Bristol residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1895: The oldest Fourth of July parade in the United States is held in Bristol.
  • 20th century: Bristol County sees continued economic growth and becomes a popular tourist destination.
  • 2007: Bristol County celebrates its 325th anniversary.