Parting Ways Cemetery

Over 5,000 African men served General George Washington in the American Revolution. They served with honor and helped to win the freedom of this great nation. These men made up 10% of the entire Army of Revolutionary soldiers.

Among these 5,000 soldiers were four young African-American men from Plymouth – Cato Howe, Plato Turner, Prince Goodwin and Quamany Quash. Cato Howe was a freeman who had probably never been enslaved. Plato Turner and Prince Goodwin were former slaves. Quamany Quash was enslaved and not emancipated until after his military service. Following the war, the Town of Plymouth granted these men acreage near the Kingston border, in an area known as Parting Ways. Howe, Turner, Goodwin and Quash – with their families – established a settlement there known as the New Guinea Settlement.

These four American Patriots are buried at Parting Ways and their gravesites marked with American flags. Archaeological excavations have been conducted at Parting Ways and many ties to the African roots of Quash, Turner, Goodwin and Howe have been documented. Artifacts, architecture and food remains attest to their African cultural heritage. Parting Ways is free of charge and is a perfect place for students, teachers and parents to visit and learn the story.

A Historical Interpretive Display provides the history and origins of this precious space. The site includes a small parking area and a 1/2 mile trail through the woods behind the gravesites. From Route 3, take exit 15B (old Exit 6B) onto Samoset Street. Travel west for 1 1/2 miles. Turn right onto Route 80 East (Plympton Street). Travel 1 1/2 miles. Parting Ways is located on the right. There is a small parking area and a 1/2 mile trail in woods behind the gravesites.