Babcock-Smith House Museum: River Bend Cemetery

Granite Industry
Westerly, RI

Babcock-Smith House Museum
124 Granite Street
Westerly, RI 02891
401-596-5704
bsh1734@verizon.net

River Bend Cemetery

River Bend Cemetery is a product of a mid-nineteenth century trend that brought a change in cemeteries in the United States. Small churchyard burial grounds were becoming crowded. The new design was that of rural cemetery gardens. These park-like places, designed by a landscape architect, provided a magnificent setting to remember family and friends. Many of these historic cemeteries are still active burial grounds. Yet they are more; they are also a historic site, an open air museum and acres of green-space for a quiet, peaceful walk. Some cemeteries feature meandering paths, scenic vistas and lakes. River Bend Cemetery in Westerly features tranquil river view.