Lucy Allen, Historian, and Nancy Huntington, Program Coordinator for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be co-hosting a hike to the Prince Walker Burial Ground and the nearby homesite of Prince Walker. Prince Walker was born June 24, 1774, so this hike will commemorate the 251st anniversary of his birth.
The Prince Walker Burial Ground is the only African-American burial ground in Barre, and one of few in Central Massachusetts. Prince Walker was born enslaved in Barre in 1774 and died at his homesite near the burial ground in 1858. He built a burial ground on his property after his first wife died in 1809, and several children are buried there as well as Prince Walker himself. He gave the burial ground to the Town of Barre before his death. The small, remote burial ground is surrounded by Ware River Watershed land.
Lucy Allen will describe Prince Walker’s life from his childhood in Barre, his sale into slavery in Connecticut when he was only nine years old, and his escape to Barre before his 21st birthday. Here he purchased property, farmed, and was a registered voter and respected citizen. Nancy Huntington will describe the history of the Ware River Watershed and the management of the area.
The walk to the Prince Walker Burial Ground is about 1/3 mile uphill on a wooded trail. Please wear solid footwear. Insect repellent is advised. Because June has been so rainy, the walk to the Homesite is tentative as it requires going through a wet area. If heavy wind, rain, or thunderstorms appear likely, we will reschedule the hike at a time to be determined.
Those wishing to participate should meet at the Barre Historical Society headquarters at 18 Common Street in the center of Barre at 9:45 a.m., from which we will carpool to the trailhead because of limited parking there. The Burial Ground is located off Gilbert Road, a dirt road that leads left off Route 62 East near the Hubbardston Town Line. There is no address for the meeting place and no sign, thus best planning is to meet at 18 Common Street. We will start the program at the Gilbert Road site at 10 a.m.