Program

Patriot Burials®

Subject

Cemetery, People, Site

Location

565 County Rd 42, Massena, NY 13662, USA

Lat/Long

44.958737, -74.834817

Grant Recipient

Columbia-Mid Hudson Valley SAR Chapter

The origins of the American Revolution can be traced back to 1775, when the first shots were fired between colonial and British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Soon after, the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. As the newly formed United States went to war with Great Britain, hundreds of men across the Thirteen Colonies joined the fight. These men came from different walks of life; some were farmers, others were tradesmen, lawyers, doctors and merchants. Despite their differences they desired the same thing: freedom and independence. Colonial forces faced severe challenges, including lack of supplies and military training, however in the face of obstacles they were undeterred. After nearly eight years the colonies defeated Great Britain and successfully achieved their independence. It is important to remember the lives and sacrifices made by those who fought for American freedom.

Massena Center Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the community’s early residents. Among those interred here between ca. 1804-1847 are at least five veterans of the Revolutionary War: Elijah Flagg, David Kinney, John Polley, Sr., Ichabod Robinson, and William Nightengale.