Judea Cemetery facts for kids

Judea Cemetery, also known as Old Judea Cemetery, is a historic burial ground located on Judea Road in Washington, Connecticut. This cemetery dates back to the colonial era, a time before the United States became an independent country. Before 1779, the area where the cemetery is located was known as "Judea" and was part of the town of Woodbury, Connecticut.

A Place of History

Judea Cemetery is an important historical site. It holds a special monument dedicated to "Jeff Liberty and His Colored Patriots." This monument was put up in the early 1900s. Many people believe that several African-American soldiers who fought in the American Revolutionary War are buried here, including Jeff Liberty himself.

Who Was Jeff Liberty?

Jeff Liberty was an enslaved person who belonged to Captain Jonathan Farrand of the Continental Army. Captain Farrand is also buried in Old Judea Cemetery. Jeff Liberty earned his freedom by bravely fighting in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. After gaining their freedom, many formerly enslaved people chose "Liberty" as their new last name to celebrate their new life.