Old Hill Burying Ground
Concord's oldest cemetery, established 1729, featuring remarkably preserved 18th-century gravestones and the resting place of founders and Revolutiona...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Old Hill Burying Ground
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Concord's oldest cemetery, established 1729, featuring remarkably preserved 18th-century gravestones and the resting place of founders and Revolutionary War veterans.
"One of the very best old cemeteries in New England for well-preserved gravestones."
🚶♀️ Walk the Hill
Explore the hillside for stunning views and a deeper connection to history. :athletic_shoe: Wear comfortable shoes!
🔍 Read the Stones
Take time to decipher the inscriptions; many have fascinating Memento Mori couplets. :mag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gravestones
Throughout the cemetery
Marvel at well-preserved 18th-century gravestones with intricate carvings and poignant epitaphs.
Founders' Gravesites
Central areas
Pay respects to the town's founders and notable citizens, including Revolutionary War veterans.
Revolutionary War Veterans
Scattered throughout
Locate the resting places of approximately 50 veterans from the Revolutionary War.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Hill
Explore the hillside for stunning views and a deeper connection to history. :athletic_shoe: Wear comfortable shoes!
🔍 Read the Stones
Take time to decipher the inscriptions; many have fascinating Memento Mori couplets. :mag:
🗺️ Guided Tours
Check for twilight walking tours for historical context. :walking:
📸 Respectful Photos
Capture the history, but always be mindful and respectful of the sacred space. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Hill
Explore the hillside for stunning views and a deeper connection to history. :athletic_shoe: Wear comfortable shoes!
🔍 Read the Stones
Take time to decipher the inscriptions; many have fascinating Memento Mori couplets. :mag:
🗺️ Guided Tours
Check for twilight walking tours for historical context. :walking:
📸 Respectful Photos
Capture the history, but always be mindful and respectful of the sacred space. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Hill Burying Ground for its historical significance and the exceptional preservation of its 18th-century gravestones. Many find it a deeply moving and educational experience, offering a genuine glimpse into early New England life. While it's a solemn place, its well-maintained grounds and rich history make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
"After Easter Sunday mass, we started exploring the adjacent properties, and soon, we were wandering about the Old Hill Burial Ground.
History everywhere!"
Jim Murphy
"The founder of the city is buried here along with other notable citizens. Included in the visitor center’s tour of the general history of concord, you will find out how this cemetery was part of America’s birth!"
T W
"I have been to hundreds of old cemeteries in New England and I think that the Old Hill Burying Ground in Concord is one of the very best. If you are looking for fine examples of well preserved pre-1800 gravestones you have found a tremendous place. The variety of stones and the quality of the carvings are tremendous. If you have a few minutes free while in Concord you must walk up the hill and see these grave stones. Looking at the faces on the stones almost brings you back two hundred years."
Sam Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Hill Burying Ground is located in Concord, Massachusetts. It's easily accessible by car and is often visited in conjunction with other historical sites in the area. Parking is available nearby, though it can be limited during peak times. Many visitors arrive on foot after exploring Concord Center.
Yes, it's very close to Concord Center and other significant historical locations like the North Bridge and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. It's part of a rich historical landscape.
While direct public transport to the cemetery itself might be limited, you can take public transport to Concord Center and then walk to the burial ground. Check local transit schedules for options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Hill Burying Ground is a public historic site and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit freely during daylight hours.
The burial ground is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's an outdoor historical site, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there is sufficient light for safety and viewing.
No advance booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit spontaneously.
Yes, twilight walking tours are sometimes offered, providing historical context. It's advisable to check the local visitor center or website for schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a wealth of history, including well-preserved 18th-century gravestones with unique carvings and epitaphs, the graves of Concord's founders, and approximately 50 Revolutionary War veterans. 
Yes, it's a historic cemetery situated on a hillside. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be walking on uneven terrain and grass.
Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are reminded to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
It's Concord's first burial ground, established after the town's founding in 1635. It played a role in the early defense of the area during the Revolutionary War and is the resting place of many early settlers.
A visit can range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in history and gravestone rubbing or detailed inscription reading.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photography opportunities are the detailed gravestones, especially those with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The hillside offers scenic views of the surrounding area, particularly during golden hour.
While there are no strict restrictions, visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the burial ground as a place of remembrance. Avoid intrusive photography.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For capturing details, a macro lens can be helpful, but not essential. Natural light is best.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Make it a scavenger hunt to find the oldest stone or a stone with a specific symbol. This can make the experience more interactive and memorable for younger visitors.
🏛️ History Buffs & Genealogists
Tip: Bring a notebook and pen to jot down names and dates. Consider researching prominent families or individuals buried here before your visit to enhance your exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Concord's Past
+1 Walking through the grounds offers a tangible connection to the past, with gravestones serving as silent storytellers of lives lived centuries ago.The gravestones here are a significant draw for history enthusiasts and genealogists. Many are remarkably well-preserved examples of 18th-century funerary art, featuring unique carvings and poetic epitaphs. Visitors often remark on the quality and variety of the stones, noting how they can transport you back in time.
Unlike some other famous cemeteries that might focus on a few prominent figures, Old Hill Burying Ground offers a broader representation of early colonial life. You'll find the graves of ministers, soldiers, artisans, and early African Americans, providing a more comprehensive historical narrative.
It's a place that truly embodies the 'real deal old New England burying ground' experience. Navigating the Historic Landscape
The best times to visit are during daylight hours to ensure visibility and safety. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest, offering a more serene and reflective atmosphere.
While the cemetery is a place of historical interest, it's important to remember it is a burial ground. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly, avoid disturbing any markers, and maintain a respectful demeanor throughout their visit. This mindful approach ensures the preservation of the site and honors those interred there.
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