Posted in Rhode Island State Pride December 08, 2022 by Beth Price-Williams

We Bet You Didn’t Know This Small Town In Rhode Island Was Home To The Oldest Veterans Memorial In America

Rhode Island’s steeped in history. Chances are pretty good that you’ll find many of the tales Rhode Island has to tell are absolutely fascinating, even if you’re not a history buff. Did you know, for example, that the oldest veterans’ memorial in America is right here in Rhode Island? If you’ve not yet visited it, you might want to add it to your bucket list.

Nestled in a wooded area in Cumberland, Nine Men’s Misery is believed to be the oldest veterans’ memorial in the United States, dating back to 1676.

The monument pays homage to nine colonial soldiers killed by Narragansett Indians. The deaths took place in Pierce’s Fight during King Philip’s War, known as the United States’ bloodiest war per capita.

King Philip’s War pitted Native Americans against the colonists who wanted to settle on the native’s land. The Native Americans fought to protect their land and their freedom.

Over the course of the yearlong war, from 1675-76, thousands of Native Americans and colonists died. Exact figures tend to vary, but most agree that thousands were killed.

The monument sits on the grounds of the Cumberland Monastery.

To view the oldest veterans’ memorial in the United States, follow the Nine Men’s Misery Trail. The red-blazed trail tallies just over a half of a mile.

View a map of the trails on the grounds of Cumberland Monastery.

Did you know that Cumberland is home to the oldest veterans’ memorial in America? Have you visited? Share your experience in the comments! Then take a peek at these 10 historical landmarks in Rhode Island. How many have you visited?

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Address: Nine Men's Misery, Cumberland, RI 02864, USA