Port Republic in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Riverside Graveyard

Cemetery Reflects Port History

— The History of Port Republic —

Riverside Graveyard Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026

1. Riverside Graveyard Marker

Inscription.
The Riverside Graveyard was established on land deeded by Molly and John Carthrea, Sr., to the Methodist Episcopal Church's trustees in 1793. Soon a log church was built at water's edge in the upper end of the cemetery. On February 26, 1809, Bishop Francis Asbury - considered the father of American Methodism - preached here. The South River was convenient for baptisms, but sometimes the congregation found themselves marooned when the river rose unexpectedly during a service. The original structure was abandoned in 1846, and the congregation temporarily met in a brick church on Main Street, built and later vacated by the Presbyterians. In 1853, they built a wooden church on the same site as today's Port Republic Riverside Church building, 200 yards to your left.

The earliest birth date listed on an existing stone in the graveyard is 1767; the latest death, 1899. The graveyard is honeycombed with sunken grave sites. Some grave markers were not durable; other graves were moved to the new Mutual Cemetery (today the Port Republic Mutual Cemetery), 2/3 miles north of here, after it opened in 1897. Those gravestones which

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remain are representative of 19th century life in Port Republic. They include a miller, boatman, farmer, laborer, storekeeper, blacksmith, saddler, toll-gate keeper, preacher, merchant, indentured servant, and cabinetmaker. Gravestones also identify seven Confederate soldiers, three of whom died in battle.

This spot was a favorite swimming hole for decades. Over the years many of the older tombstones were lost after being used by the town's young folk as diving platforms.

(A complete list of stones and inscriptions is available in the Port Republic Museum.)

(Captions):

Port Republic Methodist Episcopal congregation in front of its second church building, 1913.

William Henry Harrison Maupin is among those buried here. During the Civil War, Maupin was a member of the River Rangers, a troop of the 6th Virginia Cavalry consisting of men from Rockingham County.

Erected by The Society of Port Republic Preservationists, Inc. and The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026

2. Riverside Graveyard Marker

• War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is February 26, 1809.

Location. 38° 17.62′ N, 78° 48.945′ W. Marker is in Port Republic, Virginia, in Rockingham County. It is on Water Street (Virginia Route 1605) 0.3 miles west of Port Republic Road ( Route 253), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8323 Water Street, Port Republic VA 24471, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Palmer Lot at Middle Ford (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Madison Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); The Frank Kemper House

Riverside Graveyard image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026

3. Riverside Graveyard

(approx. 0.3 miles away); Port Republic Battlefield (approx. 0.3 miles away); North River Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Point (approx. 0.4 miles away); Battle of Port Republic (approx. 1.7 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Republic.

Other markers no longer nearby. Riverside Graveyard (has been replaced with this marker); Port Republic Foundry (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Madison Hall (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Frank Kemper House (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Historic District (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named North River Bridge (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced another at this location.

Grave of Confederate soldier<br>William Henry Harrison Maupin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026

4. Grave of Confederate soldier
William Henry Harrison Maupin

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.