New York in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The First Jewish Cemetery in the United States

By Larry Gertner, November 3, 2018

1. The First Jewish Cemetery in the United States Marker

Inscription. This tablet marks the remains of
The First Jewish Cemetery in the United States
consecrated in the year 1656 when it was described as “outside the city”

During the War of the Revolution it was fortified by the patriots as one of the defenses of the city

Erected in 1903 under the auspices of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society and of the American Jewish Historical Society.

Erected 1903 by American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society and of the American Jewish Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • War, US Revolutionary.

Location. 40° 42.782′ N, 73° 59.906′ W. Marker is in New York, New York, in New York County. Marker is on St. James Place near Oliver and Worth Streets, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10038, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Shearith Israel Cemetery (here, next to this marker); St. James Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lin Ze Xu (within shouting distance of this marker); Kimlau Square (within shouting distance

By Larry Gertner, November 3, 2018

2. The First Jewish Cemetery in the United States Marker

Above the always-locked gate, near the Shearith Israel marker.

of this marker); Americans of Chinese Ancestry (within shouting distance of this marker); Alfred E. Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); PFC Frank Vallone, USMC (within shouting distance of this marker); Hall of St. James’ School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New York.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . . The Hidden Cemeteries of Congregation Shearith Israel. Mentioned in the "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 13, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

The Shearith Israel Cemetery image. Click for full size.

By Larry Gertner, November 3, 2018

3. The Shearith Israel Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 3, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.