Plymouth in Plymouth County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Burial Hill
The first English settlers (known as "The Pilgrims") built their first fort/meeting house here.
The hill before you has been used for burials by Plymouth residents since the 1620s. Mayflower passengers buried here include Governor William Bradford and William & Mary Brewster. The last burial took place in 1957.
The earliest grave markers were of carved wood, and do not survive today. Stone markers were likely used starting in the mid-seventeenth century. Today, the oldest known stone on Burial Hill is that of Edward Gray, 1681.
These early stone markers are valuable historic documents. Many are irreplaceable works of folk art and have a better chance of survival if they are not touched. As you walk through Burial Hill, please remember that this is historic and sacred ground, which deserves care and respect. We appreciate your cooperation.
The cemetery is closed from dusk till dawn each day.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 41° 57.339′ N, 70° 39.899′ W. Marker is in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in Plymouth County. Marker is on School Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manomet MA 02345, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alexander Scammell (a few steps from this marker); The Church of Scrooby Leyden and the Mayflower (a few steps from this marker); John Alden (a few steps from this marker); Unitarian Controversy of 1801 (a few steps from this marker); Edward Doty (within shouting distance of this marker); Elder William Brewster (within shouting distance of this marker); The Town House of Plymouth (within shouting distance of this marker); Metacomet (King Philip) (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Plymouth.
More about this marker. This sign is at the entrance to Burial Hill on Town Square, adjacent to the historic First Parish Church. The steps lead up the hill where the oldest graves are and the location of the first fort built here.
Regarding Burial Hill. Some of the famous interments here include:
Mary Allerton, Pilgrim, last surviving passenger
William Bradford, Pilgrim, Governor
John Howland, Pilgrim
Adoniram Judson, Christian missionary to Asia
Thomas Prence, Colonial Governor
Zabdiel Sampson, Congressman
James Warren, Patriot leader
Mercy Otis Warren, author
William Brewster (Pilgrim), Church Elder
Squanto, Patuxet guide and interpreter (unmarked grave)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2014, by Larry Wilson of Wareham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 17, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 2. submitted on April 23, 2014, by Larry Wilson of Wareham, Massachusetts. 3. submitted on June 17, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 23, 2014, by Larry Wilson of Wareham, Massachusetts. 7. submitted on June 17, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.