Venture Smith was a remarkable man and one of a mere handful of former African slaves who ever wrote an account of his tumultuous life, which was published in New London, Connecticut in 1798. His tombstone stands in the First Church Cemetery in East Haddam, where Venture Smith lived out his days as a freed man, and offers an interesting insight into his life and times. At the time of his death in 1805 Venture Smith had become an astute businessman and a respected member of the East Haddam community. Archaeological evidence has been unearthed at the site of his farm which tells of a man of bravery, integrity and thrifty habits. His beautifully engraved tombstone is certainly worth a visit.

Venture Smith Grave, First Congregational Church Cemetery, East Haddam, CT 06423

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