Parting Ways
What is Parting Ways?
Tucked away in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Parting Ways is a historic cemetery that holds the resting place of four African American veterans of the Revolutionary War. After fighting for a new nation’s freedom, these men and their families built a homestead here — a place of hope, resilience, and community.
This land is rich with untold stories — of courage, survival, and legacy — waiting to be honored and shared. Parting Ways reminds us that history isn’t just what’s written in books; it’s what lives in the soil, in the names, and in the hearts of those who came before us.
We're proud to help bring this history forward — with reverence, curiosity, and care.
DAR Celebration and plaque dedication at Parting Ways, Plymouth,MA
Rev. Dr. Robert Gomes:
Illuminating Hidden Histories
Rev. Dr. Robert Gomes, a distinguished scholar and spiritual leader, has dedicated his work to uncovering and honoring the overlooked narratives of African American veterans of the Revolutionary War. His seminal paper, "Monument in the Making: Parting Ways & Its Legacy," delivered at Harvard Divinity School, delves into the rich history of the Parting Ways Cemetery in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This site is the final resting place of four African American soldiers who, after fighting for the nation's independence, established a self-sustaining community on the very land they defended.
Through his research, Rev. Dr. Gomes brings to light the resilience and contributions of these hidden heroes, emphasizing the importance of preserving their legacy. His work not only educates but also inspires efforts to maintain and honor such historic sites, ensuring that these stories are not lost to time.
Rev. Dr. Robert Gomes: Championing the Legacy of Parting Ways
In the mid-1970s, Rev. Dr. Robert Gomes, a dedicated scholar and spiritual leader, recognized the profound historical significance of the Parting Ways site in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This land, once home to four African American Revolutionary War veterans—Cato Howe, Prince Goodwin, Plato Turner, and Quamony Quash—who established a self-sustaining community, was at risk of being forgotten.Wikipedia
Understanding the importance of preserving this heritage, Rev. Dr. Gomes collaborated with federal authorities to secure the site's designation as a historic landmark. His efforts ensured that the stories of these "hidden heroes" would not be lost to time.
Furthering his commitment to uncovering and honoring this legacy, Rev. Dr. Gomes partnered with Professor James Deetz of Brown University to initiate an archaeological excavation of the Parting Ways homestead. This groundbreaking dig, conducted in 1975 and 1976, unearthed invaluable artifacts and insights into the lives of the community's founders, shedding light on their resilience and contributions to American history.whilbr.org+3Wikipedia+3Plymouth Antiquarian Society+3
Through his unwavering dedication, Rev. Dr. Gomes not only preserved a vital piece of African American heritage but also inspired ongoing efforts to educate and engage future generations with the rich tapestry of stories that Parting Ways embodies.
Honoring Legacy Through Public Art
Community Art Collaborative has proudly contributed to several public art installations throughout the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. What many may not realize is that woven into these works are the names of four African American veterans of the Revolutionary War: Cato Howe, Prince Goodwin, Plato Turner, and Quamony Quash — the founders of the historic Parting Ways community.
These intentional design choices are part of our ongoing commitment to honoring hidden histories through art. We are actively working with the Town of Plymouth to support both historic preservation and public art initiatives that illuminate the legacy of Parting Ways and inspire new generations to connect with this powerful story.