A Journey Across the Atlantic: The Story of America's Oldest Tombstone

Archeologists have long known that the oldest known tombstone in the United States was erected in 1627 in Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. It was made of black limestone and was known to have belonged to a knight, but its exact origin remained a mystery for centuries.

Tracing the Tombstone's Origins

Now, a new study published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology sheds light on this historical artifact, revealing the origins of the tombstone and the lengths some colonists went to in order to honor themselves and their legacy.

The study examined the carvings and inlays of the tombstone, revealing that it once held brass inlays of a shield, an unfurled scroll, and a depiction of an armored man. These findings were crucial in identifying the tombstone's owner.

The Knight's Identity Revealed

Historical records indicate that two knights died in Jamestown during the 17th century – Sir Thomas West, in 1618, and Sir George Yeardley. The study found that Sir Yeardley’s step-grandson ordered a tombstone for himself in the 1680s with the same inscription as the black limestone one, suggesting that the 1627 tombstone belonged to Sir George Yeardley.

A Voyage from Belgium to Jamestown

However, the most fascinating revelation came when scientists analyzed fragments of the tombstone and found tiny fossil microbes. These microbes, many of which did not co-occur in North America, were found to co-occur in what is now Belgium and Ireland. This discovery narrowed down the tombstone’s source to Belgium, which was known at the time as the most common source of this type of limestone rock.

This means that the tombstone had to be imported from Europe. “Therefore, the knight’s tombstone had to be imported from Europe. Historical evidence suggests Belgium, from where it was transshipped in London and on to Jamestown,” scientists wrote.

A Testament to Colonial Trade Networks

The study further hypothesizes that the tombstone was quarried and cut to size in Belgium, shipped down the Meuse River, across the English Channel to London where it was carved and the brass inlays were installed, and finally shipped on to Jamestown. This journey across the Atlantic highlights the extensive trade networks that existed between Europe and colonial America during the 17th century.

The study also reveals the colonists’ desire to commemorate themselves, even during some of the harshest periods in the history of early American colonies. “Successful Virginia colonists who had lived in London would have been familiar with the latest English fashions and tried to replicate these in the colonies,” researchers said.

A Monument to Wealth and Status

During the 17th century, black ‘marble’ was highly sought after by the English elite as a symbol of wealth and status. These jet-black stones were “the most in-demand and expensive” in Europe at the time, according to the study. Sir George Yeardley, a prominent figure in Jamestown's early years, likely desired a tombstone that reflected his social standing and mirrored the funerary customs of England.

The study's findings reveal the lengths some colonists went to in order to obtain luxury goods and materials not available to them in their new homes. This is a testament to the persistence and ingenuity of early settlers and provides a valuable insight into the cultural influences that shaped colonial America.

Unveiling the Past, One Tombstone at a Time

The discovery of the oldest tombstone in America provides a window into the past, shedding light on the complex trade networks that connected Europe and colonial America. This discovery offers a glimpse into the lives of early colonists and highlights the significance of these early settlements in shaping the history of the United States. As archeologists and historians continue to explore the past, we can expect to learn even more about the early days of America, one tombstone at a time.