Copp's Hill Burying Ground

Copp's Hill Burying Ground is a historic colonial-era cemetery located in the North End, Boston neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1659, it is the city's second oldest burial ground, following King's Chapel Burying Ground. The site served as the primary resting place for the North End's artisans, merchants, and tradespeople throughout the colonial period and witnessed significant events during the American Revolutionary War.

History

The land for the cemetery was purchased from local shoemaker John Copp, after whom the hill and burying ground are named. Originally called the North Burying Ground, it was founded to alleviate overcrowding at the nearby King's Chapel Burying Ground. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, it became the final resting place for a large portion of Boston's working-class population, including many from the Puritan community. During the Siege of Boston, British Army troops from the 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot stationed on the hill used the cemetery for target practice, with bullet marks still visible on some headstones, particularly that of Captain Daniel Malcolm. The hill also served as an artillery position during the Battle of Bunker Hill, bombarding Charlestown. The cemetery was expanded in 1809 but fell into disuse for new interments by the mid-19th century.

Notable interments

The cemetery contains the graves of many notable figures from Boston's early history. These include the influential Puritan ministers Increase Mather and Cotton Mather, key figures in the Salem witch trials. Other significant burials include Robert Newman, the sexton of Old North Church who hung the lanterns signaling the departure of British Army troops before the Battles of Lexington and Concord; and Edmund Hartt, the master shipbuilder whose yard constructed the USS Constitution. The Prince Hall family tomb is also located here, associated with the founder of Black Freemasonry in North America. The cemetery holds numerous graves of free African Americans who lived in the North End's New Guinea community.

Geography and layout

The cemetery occupies approximately two acres on the slope of Copp's Hill, one of Boston's original hills, which offers views of the Charlestown waterfront and the Charles River. The grounds are bordered by Hull Street, Snow Hill Street, and Charter Street. The layout is characterized by irregular rows of slate, sandstone, and granite headstones, many featuring classic Puritan motifs like winged skulls and soul effigies. A notable geographical feature is the prominent Mather Tomb, a large above-ground structure housing the remains of the Mather family. The western edge of the grounds is near the Old North Church.

Cultural significance

As one of the key historic sites on the Freedom Trail, the burying ground provides a direct physical connection to colonial and Revolutionary-era Boston. Its headstone art is studied as an important record of early American art and changing attitudes toward death and religion. The site is frequently featured in historical works about Boston and is a stop on many tours focusing on the American Revolution and early American history. The presence of the Prince Hall tomb and other African-American graves marks it as a significant site for understanding the complex social history of early New England.

Conservation and management

The cemetery is owned and maintained by the City of Boston's Parks and Recreation Department. Preservation efforts are ongoing to stabilize and conserve the historic headstones and monuments, which suffer from weathering, pollution, and past vandalism. These efforts often involve collaboration with organizations like the Freedom Trail Foundation and the Historic Burying Grounds Initiative. The site is protected as part of the Boston National Historical Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Access is free to the public during daylight hours, with interpretive signage provided to explain its history.

Category:Cemeteries in Boston Category:National Register of Historic Places in Boston Category:Freedom Trail Category:1659 establishments in the Massachusetts Bay Colony Category:Tourist attractions in Boston