Newport in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
St. Joseph's Cemetery
Known locally as the "Barney Street Cemetery", this plat was purchased by the Diocese of Boston in April, 1828. The site had on it a small schoolhouse, built in 1809, and this was used as the first church, dedicated to St. Joseph. Two adjoining lots were purchased in 1829 and 1830 to comprise the approximate 150 feet by 150 feet as it is today.
A wooden "Gothic" church, built in 1837, stood on the Mt. Vernon Street corner of Barney Street. Poorly constructed, this was lacking space for the growing Catholic congregation. The first schoolhouse/church was removed earlier, and the second church building was razed in 1864.
The Irish who started this first parish of Rhode Island are buried here. A Spring Street site was purchased in 1848, and a new church was built and dedicated in 1852 to the Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of the Isle, commonly referred to as St. Mary's.
A new St. Joseph's parish was established in 1885. This church is on Broadway, northwest of here.
Erected 2000 by Museum of Newport Irish History.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Education • Immigration. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1828.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Barney Street Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Alfred Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); Touro Synagogue (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Touro Synagogue (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gideon Cornell House (about 300 feet away); Charlotte Burleigh House (about 400 feet away); The Letter from Moses Seixas (about 400 feet away); The Famous Letter by President George Washington (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
