Salem in Salem County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Esther “Hetty” Saunders
Women’s Heritage Trail
Saunders lived virtually her entire life in Elsinboro and Mannington, and would have remained anonymous if not for a collection of her poetry that survived after her death in 1862. Through this collection of poems, Saunders contributed to American literature and provided insights into 19th century African-American life in southern New Jersey. Hers is a voice rarely heard – that of a free woman of color in pre-Civil War America – and her poems provide glimpses of what her life was like and how she perceived and addressed inequities that surrounded her. Her works reveal an independent spirit, largely shielded by the outside, yet quietly prevailing over forces otherwise overwhelming.
The collection of poems written by Esther “Hetty” Saunders and related items are housed within the Salem County Historical Society archives. These materials and the publication I Love to Live Alone: The Poems of Esther “Hetty” Saunders
Come tell me ancient traveler
Whence thou did engage
How long its been since thou began
To climb the “hill of Age.”
Thou more than fourscore years hast seen
Yet thou art traveling still
I looked up when a little child,
And saw thee on the hill.
I gazed upon thee carelessly
For little then thought I
That I should ever be as old
Or have to climb as high.
- an excerpt from “The Hill of Age” by Esther “Hetty” Saunders
Hetty Saunders’ gravesite at Salem Friends Burial Ground is on the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail because of the lasting contributions of poet Esther “Hetty” Saunders to the arts and culture in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail highlights a collection of historic sites located around the state that represent the significant contributions women made to the history of our state. The Heritage Trail brings to life the vital role of women in New Jersey’s past and present.
Marker series. This marker is included in the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail marker series.
Location. 39° 34.372′ N, 75° 28.223′ W. Marker is in Salem, New Jersey, in Salem County. Marker is at the intersection of W Broadway (New Jersey Route 49) and Oak Street, on the right when traveling west on W Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salem NJ 08079, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Salem Oak Tree (here, next to this marker); Friends Burial Ground (here, next to this marker); Old Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Salem County Office Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fenwick Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Salem County Historical Society Museum and Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); New Johnson Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); First Presbyterian Church of Salem (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
More about this marker. The bottom left of the marker features a “Pencil drawing of Hetty Saunders by Anne H. Denn, c. 1840.”
Categories. • Notable Persons • Women •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on October 3, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 722 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 3, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.