Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Almshouse Burial Ground Memorial

Photographed By Michael Cleary, September 22, 2023

1. Almshouse Burial Ground Memorial

Inscription.
In memory of those who lived and labored at the almshouses and hospitals on this land, and in honor of those known and unknown who are quietly resting here in unmarked graves.

Erected 2020.

Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.

Location. 42° 31.707′ N, 70° 52.921′ W. Marker is in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex County. Marker is on Szetela Lane west of Settlers Way, on the right when traveling west. Located in the park by Collins Cove. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salem MA 01970, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1st Lt. Catherine Marie Larkin, RN (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Salt Marsh Returns - Collins Cove Living Shoreline (approx. ¼ mile away); Twenty Third Regiment Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Joseph Story House (approx. half a mile away); The Washington Arch (approx. half a mile away); The First Muster (approx. half a mile away); Stephen White House (approx. half a mile away); Salem Common (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Regarding Almshouse Burial Ground Memorial. The last

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almshouse built in Salem was designed by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch and opened in 1816 on Collins Cove to provide housing and support for the city’s impoverished, many of whom were expected to work the adjacent City Farm to offset the cost of their stay. This location had previously been used as an almshouse and hospital, which included a c. 1747 smallpox burial ground near Almshouse Wharf.

Also see . . . Forgotten graveyards: Advocate wants Almshouse burying ground memorialized. Excerpt from the Nov 24, 2019 article, quoting local historian Jen Ratliff.

"Largely, that history is unknown — or not well documented," she said. "The people that are buried there were less fortunate in life. They were often forgotten and, in death, they became unclaimed — but they deserve to be part of Salem's story. They're part of what made the city what it is. They're our ancestors, and they deserve to be properly marked and respected."

(Submitted on September 23, 2023, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts.)

Almshouse and Hospital for Contagious Diseases Burial Ground image. Click for more information.

via History by the Sea, unknown

2. Almshouse and Hospital for Contagious Diseases Burial Ground

History by the Sea website entry
Click for more information.

Photographed By Michael Cleary, September 22, 2023

3. Almshouse Burial Ground Memorial

Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2023, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 22, 2023, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts. 2. submitted on October 15, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on September 23, 2023, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.