Posted in Maine January 12, 2018 by

The Mystery Behind This Maine Graveyard Has Baffled Historians For Decades

If you’re brave enough to explore, graveyards come with a lot of history. Most have an office that can provide lots of background on the years that it’s been in existence. But, what happens when some of those records are inaccurate? Or, even more mysteriously, just don’t exist. That’s the case at this mystery graveyard in Maine.

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Solon is a small town of about 1,000 people located in Somerset County.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
The first inhabitants are believed to be the Abenaki Indians, met by European settlers in the early 1600s.
Over the years it grew, and then shrunk again, today existing as a small, typical Maine town.
Devin / Flickr
But, what's not typical is the 1835 South Solon Burial Ground, where the most intriguing town mystery is set.
Mark Plummer / Flickr
Buried here is a mystery person, known only as "M. Tramp" to those who find his headstone.
findagrave.com
There is no indication of when he lived or died, how old he was, or even if he's really a "he."

The word "tramp" was often used to refer to someone who was homeless and went from town to town looking for work. Speculation is that the person buried under this headstone was passing through Solon when he died.

Surrounding the headstone are other graves dating back to the mid 1800s.

But, where are the records for M. Tramp?
Neither the Solon Historical Society, nor the Solon Town Office have any record of the person, the death, or the burial.
Solon Maine Historical Society / Facebook
The the story of the grave is a sad mystery, the light to this story is the local community.
If you visit the small graveyard, you're likely to find flowers at the stone.
Erich Ferdinand / Flickr
The community may not know who lies beneath the simple headstone, but as with most Maine communities, the small town of Solon certainly wants him to know he's welcome.
Devin / Flickr

For more Maine history, be sure to check out some of the state’s best antique stores. If you’re not sure where to start, consider this fun weekend road trip!