Halifax in Halifax Region, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Old Burying Ground
Le Vieux Cimetière
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2014
1. Old Burying Ground Marker
The Old Burying Ground, which contains more than 1,200 head and footstones, constitutes a unique concentration of gravestone art. A rich variety of styles, poignant images and carving skill is reflected in these old stones. The winged skulls and the winged heads, or soul effigies, are exceptional. Used by all denominations, the Old Burying Ground served the city of Halifax from 1749 until its closure in 1844. Fenced and landscaped in the 1860s, it was restored as a park and outdoor museum in 1990-1991. It bears silent witness to the complex cultural traditions of early British North Americans.
French
Cet ancien cimetière, qui renferme plus de 1,200 pierres tombales, offre un collection unique d’art funéraire. Dernier repos de fidèles de toutes croyances, il servit la ville d’Halifax de 1749 à 1844. Des images poignantes de dégagent de ces vieilles pierres de style très divers et de facture remarquable. Les crânes et les têtes ailés, ou effigies des morts, sont exceptionnels. La clôture de l’aménagement paysager remontent aux années 1860, et le cimetière a été restauré en tant que parc et musée extérieur en 1990-1991. Il témoigne de la complexité des traditions culturelles au début de l’Amérique de Nord britannique.
Erected by Historic Sites and Monument
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1749.
Location. 44° 38.609′ N, 63° 34.339′ W. Marker is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Halifax Region. Marker can be reached from Barrington Street close to Spring Garden Road. This marker is near the cemetery entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1480 Barrington Street, Halifax NS B3J, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Old Burying Ground (here, next to this marker); Why Aren’t We Americans? • Pourquoi ne sommes-nous pas des Américains? (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Old Burying Ground (a few steps from this marker); The Welsford Parker Monument (a few steps from this marker); Mr. John Samwell (a few steps from this marker); Carved in Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General / Major-Général Robert Ross 1766-1814 (within shouting distance of this marker); Black-Binney House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2014
2. Old Burying Ground Marker
This marker is next to the fence on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 8, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
