Goose Creek State Park and Goose Creek Island

     A few months ago, I learned that my 3rd Great Grandmother Melissa O'Neal Carawan was buried in a small cemetery in the Goose Creek State Park just outside of Washington, N.C.  She was the first wife of Bernard Carawan.  Also buried within this small cemetery is that of her son-in-law J.T. Campen who was married to Sarah Carawan.  There are also two unmarked graves as well.
     Story has it that an epidemic (thypoid or yellow fever) was ravaging the southside of Pamlico River in 1882.  Melissa succumbed to the epidemic first on December 1st and her son-in-law followed on December 14th.  It is told that the family buried their loved ones at Ragged Point, Pamlico River to prevent possible contamination of drinking water supplies and/or to prevent more folks from contracting the illness. I have had difficulty finding any historical notations about an epidemic, however, my theory is that diptheria is a possible culprit to their demise.
     Below are pictures of the cemetery and the information sign on Live Oak Trail, Goose Creek State Park where the cemetery lies.  Isn't it ironic that the name Goose Creek State Park has a relationship with Goose Creek Island.  Maybe more research can help me determine why the state chose this name, who owned the land, did Bernard have any connections with the land where he buried his wife and son-in-law.  That is the beauty of history; the more we learn, the more questions we have.
     If you don't have any plans this weekend, travel over to Washington and get you a Bill's Hot Dog and then go on to Goose Creek State Park and visit the little cemetery of Goose Creek Islanders.