Entrance to Island Cemetery Newport with an ornate gate, stone pillars, and a red brick chapel with a tower. The scene includes a paved road, monuments, and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Welcome to Island Cemetery

The Island Cemetery, part of the early movement in America towards landscaped, park-like cemeteries, was established in 1848 and is located in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island.  Listed as the first cemetery under Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries, it is now the only active cemetery in Newport. Island Cemetery, on the National Register of Historic Sites. Developed as a ‘garden cemetery’ in 1848, Island Cemetery recently obtained accreditation from Arbnet and the Newport Tree Conservancy (NTC) as one of Newport’s city arboreta. With this accreditation, the cemetery is eligible for support from the NTC and the City of Newport in its efforts to increase the tree canopy in the open spaces of Newport. More >

We encourage you to visit our beautiful grounds or contact us for more information. 

Historic cemetery with large bare tree and church building, featuring wrought iron fence and headstones.
August Belmont Memorial Chapel, Newport, R.I., covered in ivy with surrounding greenery and sky.

History In 1839, as the need grew for increased burial space, the land for the Island Cemetery was purchased and laid out in line with the Common Burial Ground, in a tasteful, park-like setting as the resting place for many renowned people of the 19th century. More >

Belmont Chapel The focal point of Island Cemetery is the Belmont Memorial Chapel. The Chapel, built in 1886 by August Belmont, is constructed of rock-faced brownstone; its picturesque massing of tall dormers, entrance portico and belfry make it a focal point of the cemetery.  More >

Search Burials Island Cemetery’s old hardcopy record system has been digitized and mapped for easy access to historical burials and grave locations. More>

Vintage filing cabinet with organized drawers and shelves containing old books and records.