What were tombstones in Colonial America typically engraved with?

In Colonial America, tombstones were typically engraved with epitaphs. Epitaphs served as inscriptions that memorialized the deceased, often including their name, dates of birth and death, and sometimes a brief phrase highlighting their virtues or the sentiment of mourning. These inscriptions had a significant function, as they aimed to convey a message about the individual’s life and their place in the community, often reflecting the cultural values and attitudes of the era.

While poetic verses, symbols of faith, and family crests may occasionally be found on tombstones, they were not as commonly used as epitaphs during this period. Epitaphs were the primary means of expressing personal and communal grief, making them the most characteristic feature of gravestones in Colonial America.