H M Prison Dartmoor: Commemorative Gate to the American Prisoner of War Cemetery

H M Prison Dartmoor features a commemorative gate dedicated to the American Prisoner of War Cemetery, presented in 1928 by the United States Daughters of 1812. This memorial honors the American prisoners of war who died at Dartmoor Prison during the Anglo-American War of 1812-1815.

The gate is made from seven large dressed blocks of Dartmoor stone granite, with each jamb set on a granite base and three granite steps leading to the front. It includes decorative cast iron spear-headed gates that were presented by members of the United States Navy around 2002.

The design of the gate is a copy of the main granite entrance gate to Dartmoor Prison, dating from around 1808, and features a semi-hexagonal head. At the top, a decorative bronze plaque on the central keystone reads: "To the glory of God- and in loving memory of - the two hundred and eighteen - American sailors and soldiers - of the War of 1812 who died here - this memorial gateway - is erected by the - National Society United States - Daughters of 1812 - 30 May 1928."

Additionally, a plaque attached to the left-hand jamb of the gateway, added in 2010, states: "American Cemetery- 1928 Memorial Arch - the National Society - United States Daughters of 1812 - addendum: it is now known there are - 271 American prisoners buried here. Placed June 5, 2010 - Charlotte Slinkard - Honorary National President - Connie Grund - Chairman National."