Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, was a pivotal historical figure known for advocating for religious freedom and his connection with Indigenous tribes. In this discussion, learn about the whimsical myth surrounding 'Old Rogge,' a tree root resembling a human figure that embodies his legacy. Dive into the fascinating tale of his exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, his efforts to separate church and state, and the quest to unearth his unmarked grave, culminating in a delightful discovery tied to local lore.
The search for Roger Williams' grave in Rhode Island reveals a complex interplay between historical memory and urban development's impact on cultural identity.
The legendary apple tree root discovered near his supposed burial site reflects how folklore intertwines with history to shape local narratives.
Deep dives
The Search for Roger Williams' Grave
In 1860, a group of prominent citizens from Providence, Rhode Island, initiated a search for the unmarked grave of Roger Williams, the state's founder. They relied on memories of local residents and historical documents to narrow down the location to an old apple orchard believed to be on Williams' property. Equipped with shovels and maps, they began digging in hopes of finding his remains, but what they encountered instead were the outlines of multiple graves along with various fragments of decomposed materials. Their efforts ultimately led them to discover an apple tree root that seemed to grow towards the exact spot where they believed Williams' skull should have been, raising questions about whether the tree was somehow intertwined with his remains.
Roger Williams' Legacy
Roger Williams is renowned in Rhode Island for advocating the separation of church and state and for founding Providence as a space of religious freedom. After his death in 1683, Williams was buried in a family plot, but as the city expanded, the exact location of his grave faded from memory amid the encroachment of urban development. Williams's grave was forgotten alongside family history, leading to an identity crisis for a significant figure in Rhode Island's past. His importance is underscored by the notion that if something in the state needs a name, it is often suggested to name it after Roger Williams, reflecting his lasting impact on the region's identity.
The Myth of the Tree Root
The discovery of the apple tree root at the supposed grave site has evolved into a curious legend surrounding Roger Williams, referred to affectionately as 'Old Rogge.' Although it remains uncertain if this root truly belonged to the grave of the founder, it has become a part of Rhode Island folklore and is displayed behind chicken wire at the John Brown House Museum. Visitors, including Williams' descendants, often seek to connect with their history by viewing this peculiar artifact, which encapsulates the blend of myth and history in local culture. The story of the root illustrates how folklore can preserve the memory of historical figures, blending their legacy with the bizarre and intriguing aspects of local lore.
The hunt to memorialize Rhode Island’s founder created one of the state’s strangest and most enduring myths. Learn more about Roger Williams relationship to local indigenous tribes here.
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