Portland's Historic Eastern Cemetery: A Field of Ancient Graves

by Ron Romano

A window into the past of Historic Eastern Cemetery, illuminating centuries of Portland's history through the stories of those laid to rest. Eastern Cemetery holds more than 350 years of Portland's rich history. From bank robbers and murdering mutineers to Quakers and war heroes, the lives of those interred offer a window into the past. Within the sacred burial ground rest settlers who struggled with the natives over resources, citizens who had to choose their allegiance to the king or independence and abolitionists fighting for the end of slavery. Author and cemetery guide Ron Romano tells the fascinating tale of this historic landscape, illuminating centuries of Portland's history through the stories of those laid to rest.

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2017

Reviews

[Alison Fulmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is really into cemeteries… This book was of some interest to me as I live near the Eastern Cemetery. I was a bit disappointed, not a lot about the lives of some people buried there but a lot about cemeteries. So if that is your schtick enjoy…

[Jennifer Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tiny tome is filled with history and a love of the sacred ground in Portland, Maine known as Eastern Cemetery. Many years ago I walked through the cemetery, taking photos of interesting stones, oblivious to the amazing history I was surrounded by...not only the people who are buried, but the stonecutters who designed the monuments, the seafarers, the soldiers and community ‘movers and shakers’ who built the city, the landscape that changed as society’s views changed, and the volunteers who have helped preserve the cemetery. Romano’s excellent reference covers over 350 years of Portland’s history. I found this an interesting, well researched, and nicely written book. A good read.