Cul-de-Sac Graveyard: Dutch Settlements
The Cul-de-Sac Graveyard, located near Philipsburg, is one of the oldest burial sites on St. Maarten. It dates back to the early days of Dutch settlement on the island in the 17th century.
The graveyard is a significant historical site, providing insights into the lives of the early colonists, including settlers, plantation owners, and their families. Although many of the grave markers have been worn down over time, the site remains a poignant reminder of the island’s colonial past.
Today, only the foundations of the Dutch Protestant Church and the ruins of a nearby house and oven remain. The graveyard itself contains the graves of several prominent figures from Sint Maarten’s history
The Cul-de-Sac Graveyard is an important link to understanding the early history and the hardships faced by those who first colonized the island.
References: St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation, St. Maarten Museum