King's Chapel Burying Ground Boston
Boston's oldest graveyard, a key Freedom Trail stop featuring graves of historical figures and unique Puritan artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for viewing gravestones
King's Chapel Burying Ground Boston
Best Time
Best for viewing gravestones
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Boston's oldest graveyard, a key Freedom Trail stop featuring graves of historical figures and unique Puritan artistry.
"A super historical graveyard located in downtown Boston as well as a fun stop along the Freedom Trail."
🚶♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail
This is a must-see stop on the Freedom Trail. Allow 10-15 mins.
🧐 Look for Famous Names
Seek out graves of John Winthrop, Mary Chilton, and Ben Franklin's parents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Graves of Notables
Throughout the grounds
See the final resting places of early Boston leaders like John Winthrop and Mary Chilton.
Winged Skull Gravestones
Various tombstones
Marvel at intricate Puritan gravestones featuring winged skulls, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life.
Subway Ventilation Shaft
Southwest corner
Discover the unique, gated hole in the ground—a ventilation shaft for Boston's first subway system.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Freedom Trail Essential
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail
This is a must-see stop on the Freedom Trail. Allow 10-15 mins.
🧐 Look for Famous Names
Seek out graves of John Winthrop, Mary Chilton, and Ben Franklin's parents.
👻 Spooky History
Embrace the eerie charm of Boston's oldest graveyard.
🚇 Unique Subway Vent
Don't miss the historic subway ventilation shaft!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail
This is a must-see stop on the Freedom Trail. Allow 10-15 mins.
🧐 Look for Famous Names
Seek out graves of John Winthrop, Mary Chilton, and Ben Franklin's parents.
👻 Spooky History
Embrace the eerie charm of Boston's oldest graveyard.
🚇 Unique Subway Vent
Don't miss the historic subway ventilation shaft!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find King's Chapel Burying Ground a fascinating and historically rich stop on the Freedom Trail, appreciating its age and the notable figures buried there. The unique Puritan gravestones and the unexpected subway ventilation shaft are often highlighted as points of interest. While brief, it offers a tangible connection to Boston's early history.
"We visited on a Wednesday morning in mid-June 2025. We were doing this as part of the Freedom Trail and we spent about 10 mins looking through the grounds and taking pictures. The King's Chapel itself did not open until 10AM and there were other sites that we really wanted to hit so we didn't stay too long.
The Kings Chapel offers a History Program Tour Mon-Sat but from 10-5PM but not sure if the burying grounds is part of the tour or not.
One of the more interesting structures was an ornate gated hole in the ground which turned out to be a vent for the underground subway system in the city."
David L.
"I love all burying ground and this is a beautiful one. I love the setting in between the old buildings of Boston. This is Boston's oldest burial ground. John Winthrop, Massachusetts' First Governor, as well as Mary Chilton, the first woman to step off the Mayflower, are both buried here."
Catherine P
"Kings Chapel Burying Ground is a super historical graveyard located in downtown Boston as well as a fun stop along the Freedom Trail. You have Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Ben Franklin's father buried here amongst other notable Bostonites. This is a must visit attraction and it is free."
A R
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King's Chapel Burying Ground is conveniently located on the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston. It's easily accessible by public transportation, with several MBTA subway lines stopping nearby. Many visitors arrive on foot as part of their Freedom Trail exploration.
Yes, exploring the King's Chapel Burying Ground itself is free of charge. However, if you wish to tour the King's Chapel building, there may be admission fees or tour costs.
Many visitors opt to walk the Freedom Trail, which includes the King's Chapel Burying Ground. You can follow the red brick line on the ground to guide you. Consider downloading a map or using a guided tour app for more context.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to enter and explore the King's Chapel Burying Ground. It's an open-air historical site.
The burying ground is generally accessible during daylight hours. The King's Chapel building itself has specific opening hours, typically from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's best to check their official website for the most current information.
Yes, the King's Chapel Burying Ground is a significant stop on the Freedom Trail, and many guided tours of Boston include it. You can also take a History Program Tour offered by King's Chapel itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes walking through the King's Chapel Burying Ground to see the notable graves and unique features. History enthusiasts might linger longer.
Notable figures include John Winthrop (Massachusetts' first governor), Mary Chilton (first woman to step off the Mayflower), Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Ben Franklin's parents.
In the southwest corner, you'll find a gated opening that is a ventilation shaft for Boston's first subway system, installed in 1896. Some gravestones had to be moved for its construction.
While not explicitly a focus, its age and historical significance lend themselves to the spooky atmosphere often associated with old cemeteries. It's located near the famously haunted Omni Parker House hotel.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the King's Chapel Burying Ground for personal use. Be respectful of the historical nature of the site.
Capture the intricate details of the Puritan gravestones, the historic King's Chapel building in the background, and the unique subway ventilation shaft. The juxtaposition of old gravestones against the modern city is also striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief (10-15 minutes) to maintain children's interest. Point out the oldest stones and the unusual subway ventilation shaft as points of intrigue. Remember to emphasize the importance of respecting the historical site and not disturbing the graves.
🚶♂️ History Buffs & Freedom Trail Enthusiasts
Take your time to examine the intricate Puritan gravestones and read the inscriptions. Consider researching figures like John Winthrop or Mary Chilton beforehand to enhance your visit. The presence of the subway ventilation shaft also adds a layer of industrial history to the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Puritan Life
These stones are not just markers; they are historical artifacts. Some are incredibly weathered, with inscriptions barely visible after centuries, while others retain remarkable detail. The Joseph Tapping gravestone, for instance, showcases a detailed struggle between death and the soul, a common motif in Puritan funerary art.
Exploring these stones is like reading a history book etched in granite. It's a tangible connection to the early settlers of Boston and their worldview.
The Subway's Unexpected Impact
The construction of this underground marvel had a direct impact on the cemetery. To accommodate the subway line, several gravestones had to be relocated within the grounds. This unique intersection of historical burial practices and modern infrastructure makes the burying ground a site of unexpected historical significance.
It's a fascinating reminder of how urban development can interact with and even alter historical landscapes. The gated shaft is a visible marker of this historical engineering feat.
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