What Does a Broken Gravestone Mean?
Gravestones are made to last. They help us remember people who have died. But over time, some break or fall. What does that mean?
It Might Be From Nature
Rain, snow, and wind can wear down a gravestone. In places with cold winters, water can freeze in cracks. This makes the stone split. One study in the U.S. found that about 1 in 3 old stones in cemeteries had cracks or chips. Trees nearby can also cause damage. Their roots push stones up from the ground.
Some Break From Vandalism
Sadly, some gravestones are broken on porpuse. In 2021, over 100 stones were damaged in a Jewish cemetery in Missouri. Police said it was vandalism. Acts like this hurt families. It’s not just stone—it’s memory.
Time and Age Matter
Old gravestones are more likely to break. Stones made in the 1800s used softer rock, like slate or sandstone. These wear down faster than granite. A stone from 1850 is now over 170 years old. That’s a lot of time for cracks to grow.
Not Always a Sign of Forgetting
A broken gravestone does not always mean someone was forgotten. Sometimes, families move away. Or the person has no one left. In some towns, people volnteer to fix these stones. They believe that all people deserve respect.
An Example From Maine
In Maine, a group called “Grave Matters” helps care for old cemeteries. One woman, Mrs. Dunlap, found her great-grandpa’s stone in 4 peices. She worked with the group to fix it. “He was a Civil War vet,” she said. “He deserves to be remembered.”
What You Can Do
If you see a broken gravestone, tell the cemetery office. Don’t try to fix it by yurself. Stones are heavy and can be unsafe. Some towns have history groups who can help. Fixing a stone is a way to care for the past.
Why It Matters
Gravestones show love, loss, and life. Even when broken, they still tell a story. Taking care of them shows we care about history—and each other.