Elihu Burritt Monument

New Marlborough, MA - This monument is on the green in New Marlborough MA. It was erected for Elihu Burritt who studied to be a blacksmith in town. He was a very intelligent man, he had an aptitude for languages, and wrote over 37 books and articles. President Lincoln appointed him United States consul in Birmingham England. This earned him the title of "Learned Blacksmith"; he continued being an occasional blacksmith to make extra money. In 1848 he created the precursor to the League of Nations and the United Nations called the First International Congress of the Friends of Peace which convened in Brussels in Sept. 1848. He also advocated in Britain for the Ocean Penny Post, a reduction in the current rate. He argument was that this would increase international correspondence, trade, hence universal brotherhood.


A close-up of the plaque.

Info:Elihu Burritt Wikipedia

Massacre in the King's Philip's War

South Hadley, MA - This is a monument for a massacre on September 18, 1675 in King's Philip's War, English against the Indians.



On the inscription is the word, "ambuscaded", which means ambushed. On the bottom was a reference to a stone slab that was 21 rods south of this monument(rod is 5.5 yards). I did not see this slab.

The Elk on the Trail Monument

Florida, MA - Mohawk Trail(Rte. 2) - This monument was erected by the Elks to honor Elks that lost their lives in World War I.


Plaque on the stone,


In back of the Elk is this time capsule to be opened in 2023.


Attached is a link to a website explaining all about the monument, an interesting read. The Elk on the Trail

Old Roadside Shrine

Simsbury, CT - We have all seen those makeshift "Shrines" on the side of the road, usually with a white cross, plastic flowers, and maybe a photo. Well, this is not a new phenomenon. This is a monument to David Russell who died by being run over by a cartwheel June 15, 1782; he was 38 years old.



A view of the monument on the side of the road.

This is the stretch of road where this monument is located.

Jacob's Ladder Stone Cairn

Becket, MA - In September 17, 1910 people came from all over the Northeast to celebrate the opening of a section of Route 20 bypassing a dangerous section of road called "Jacob's Ladder". The people came bringing stones from their home towns to the original dedication site. In 1930, the dry laid stones were moved across the street from the original site and then in 1946 it was moved to it's present site and set with mortar. Over the years some of the stones have been lost and they have been set in different locations on the monument.


Sections of the Jacob's Ladder Trail started as Native American Footpaths and then it the late 1700's European settlers developed a supply and travel route from Boston the Albany, "The West". In 1910 when the modern road was opened it was the first " Automobile Mountain Crossing" in the country reaching an elevation of 1,775 feet.


Stones on the Right side.


Stones on the left side.

Information from sign next to Cairn.

SUFFIELD ARMED SERVICES MONUMENT

Suffield, CT - These are photos of the Suffield Armed Services Monument. Listed on it is all the men and women of Suffield who served in the Armed Forces.


lose-up of the Eagle on top of the monument.


This is one of the lists of all the Suffield men and women who fought in all the wars and not just the well know ones; also listed is the Mexican War, War of 1812, French and Indian Wars, Queen Ann's War, and a few more I can't remember.

JONATHAN EDWARDS MONUMENT

Stockbridge, MA - This is a monument to Rev. Jonathan Edwards that preached to the Indians in the area as well as the early white settlers. This monument is across the street from where the first church in Stockbridge stood.

CIVIL WAR MONUMENT - SUFFIELD CT

Suffield, CT - This Civil War Monument sits at the end of the town green.


Close-up of some of the text.


Close-up of soldier.

Info: Civil War Monuments of Connecticut

MISSION HOUSE - REV. JOHN SERGEANT

Stockbridge, MA – This stone marks the spot where Rev. John Sergeant, the first white resident of Stockbridge, built the “Mission House” for his wife Abigale Williams in 1739. Rev. Sergeant ( 1710 – 1749) was a Protestant Missionary among local Native Americans in the Spring of 1936. Along with a group of Indians established “Indian Town”, what is now known as Stockbridge Massachusetts. The town of Stockbridge was named after a town in Hampsire County England during its incorporation on July 3rd 1739. The house has been moved to Main Street and is open to the public.


I posted this house once before April 17 2007 but I did not know the story behind the house...now we know.

Info: From a sign posted near the stone which is located at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy (I will be posting about that soon)

GENERAL HENRY KNOX MONUMENT

On the way back from "Chester on Track" I zigged when I should of zagged and got lost, or I guess you can say."Found another way home". I think I was in Russell MA when I came upon this monument to General Henry Knox. Gen. Knox carried by Oxen, 50 cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. Evidently, he passed through this area and this monument was erected in 1927, just over 150 years from when he was there. He set the cannon up in the Dorchester Heights area of Boston. The British General Howe realized that his troops were in danger of an American bombardment left Boston.

Info:Historical Valley Forge

CIVIL WAR MONUMENT - STOCKBRIDGE MA

Stockbridge MA - This monument is in the center of Stockbridge. I found a website that has all the names and an inscription transcribed.

The transcription says: To Her Sons
Beloved and Honored
Who Died for Their Country
In the Great War
Of the Rebellion

Info: Stockbridge Men who died

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - WWI MONUMENT

Salem, MA - This monument was in front of the Immaculate Conception Church in Salem, MA. It is to honor the boys from the parish who served in the World War, this was before we started to give them numbers.