Grave of Mary Goodnow – Northborough, Massachusetts - Atlas Obscura

US Route 20 is the longest road in the United States and long this route west of Boston and close to the border of Northborough and Marlborough, is a historical marker on the side of the road with a rather peculiar inscription. It reads,

“Mary Goodnow who lived here with her parents was lame and unable to run to the garrison house for safety when the Indians attacked Northborough, August 18, 1707. A short path leads through the woods to her grave near the place where she fell.”

The marker is curious itself with many perhaps not noticing it all but directly behind it there is a hidden path leading to a lone grave in the woods as mentioned in the inscription. Although there are many historic graves throughout the area this one carries a tragic story hearkening back to one of the most tumultuous times in New England history. 

On December 15, 1673, Mary Goodnow was born to her parents Samuel and Mary. The Goodnow family lived a life typical of many early New England settlers and the lands west of Boston were very much a frontier filled with wilderness and uncertainty. Young Mary spent much of her life doing household chores and playing with her siblings but was unfortunate as she was afflicted with an unknown condition from birth which made her lame and unable to walk or run with much speed.

In 1704, Queen Anne’s War broke out and raids of settlements conducted by the French, English, and their respective Native American allies became widespread. One of the most infamous was the Deerfield Massacre in which around 47 to 56 English settlers were killed and 112 taken captive.

On August 18, 1707, Mary set about to collect herbs from the meadow and was joined by her neighbor Mary Fay. As the women were out they soon spotted a Native American raiding party of about two dozen warriors and immediately retreated towards the nearby local garrison. However, due to Mary’s lame condition, she was unable to escape and killed before the attack was repulsed. Her body was later found and laid to rest on the spot where she died. Her headstone reads,

“In Memory of Mary Goodnow

Who was killed by Indians

on this spot August 18, 1707

Erected by the Town of Northborough 1889”

The Mary Goodnow Grave not only marks the tragic death of an innocent woman but also a turbulent time in New England history where the region was at the center for numerous wars between France and England vying for territory and influence. Local inhabitants and ordinary citizens often found themselves in the crosshairs of the competing powers and carried the cost of war with much suffering and loss. 

Know Before You Go

In order to find the grave, you have to go to the Pheasant Hill condominium complex and park in the visitor area close to the entrance. There is a sign nearby with a trail marked with grey stones leading into the woods behind it. The grave can be found at the end of the trail after a 5-10 minute walk.