Nantucket honors civil war veterans with memorial stones and community history

The Nantucket Historic Coloured Cemetery is a poignant reminder of the island's rich history and the contributions of its African American veterans. During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the significance of this cemetery, which honors the lives of civil war veterans who played vital roles in both the military and the community.

Among the notable figures buried there is Samson Pompey, a veteran whaler who served in the Union Navy and was a founding member of the Nantucket Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. His legacy, along with that of his wife, Susan Kelly Pompey, is celebrated for their activism within the community. The cemetery also honors other veterans, including Joseph Simons, George Michael, and Hiram Reed, who was freed from slavery by Union troops and went on to serve with distinction in the fifth Massachusetts Cavalry.

Every Memorial Day, American flags are placed on the graves of these heroes, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten. Hiram Reed, in particular, is remembered for his bravery and his marriage to Isabella Draper, a woman of African and Nantucket Wampanoag heritage. Their story, along with that of William Port, who immigrated from Calcutta and married into a family with deep historical ties to Nantucket, underscores the diverse narratives that shape the island's past.

The meeting emphasized the importance of preserving these stories and the cemetery itself, as a testament to the resilience and contributions of African Americans in Nantucket's history. As the community continues to honor these veterans, there is a renewed commitment to ensuring their legacies are celebrated and remembered for generations to come.