Old Tombstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Old Tombstone
|
|
Old Tombstone and its caged enclosure
|
|
 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Hollins, VA |
|---|---|
| Built | 1805 |
| Architect | Laurence Krone |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004222 |
| Added to NRHP | 1980 |
Old Tombstone, also known as the Denton Monument, is a special tombstone. It's a type of folk art, which means it was made by an ordinary person, not a trained artist. This unique stone is found in Hollins, Virginia, United States. It's so important that it's listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. You can find it in Tombstone Cemetery, and it stands out because of its unique folk art style in Southwest Virginia.
What is Old Tombstone?
Old Tombstone is a large, single stone carving. It marks the grave of Robert Denton, who passed away in 1805. The stone is about 4 ft (1.2 m) long and 2.6 ft (0.79 m) wide. At its thickest part, it is about 1.6 ft (0.49 m) tall.
The top of the stone has a carving of a child's head and upper body. You can also find words carved into the stone. These words are written in German, English, and Latin. The special message on the stone says:
Once loved, once valued, now avails me not; Though my relations have not me forgot . . .
The Story Behind the Monument
The monument was created by Laurence Krone. He was a very active carver from Virginia-German heritage. He made many carvings during his time. The design of this tombstone, showing a carved child, was common in New England back then. However, it was very unusual for Southwest Virginia.
Krone met the Denton family when they helped him. He became very sick around the year 1800. The Dentons were kind enough to take him in and care for him. Because of their kindness, Krone carved the monument for free. He made it after Robert Denton died.
By 1967, a fancy lid that once covered the stone face was stolen. To protect the monument, the Hollins Lions Club built a roof over it. They also put a chain-link cage around it. This was done to keep it safe from people who might try to damage it.
Because of its special design, the monument was recognized as important. It was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1977. Later, in 1980, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery where it stands is called Tombstone Cemetery. It got its name directly from this famous Old Tombstone.
