Granary Burying Ground

Home to over 2300 gravestones and tombs, Granary Burying Ground was established in 1660. It was named after a small building, a granary, that was used to store grains. Now at the site lies the Park Street Church. Approximately 5000 people are buried here. The markers are mostly made of slate, while some of them are marble or greenstone. The Granary Burying Ground was established to help alleviate the overcrowding in the nearby King’s Chapel Burying Ground.

 

It’s a quite small cemetery visited by many tourists every single day. You will find lots of fully-grown tall trees and shrubbery in this place. There are comfortable pedestrian walkways with the cool shade provided by trees. Several notables and Boston Citizens are buried in this cemetery including Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine; the three signers of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin’s parents are also buried here in the Center of the ground.

 

You will also find the Infant’s Tomb located near the 25-foot-tall obelisk that marks the tomb of Benjamin Franklin’s parents. Hundreds of children are buried here. Another notable figure, Paul Revere is buried near the back of the Granary. An interesting fact about this place is that the people of Boston showed artistry via each tombstone as an expression of their beliefs about the afterlife. It was because of the reason that Puritan Churches did not believe in imagery and religious icons. A most popular motif was the “Soul Effigy” or “death’s head” with wings on each side, representing the soul departing to heaven after death. 

 

 

What to Know

In downtown Boston, it’s a famous historic cemetery and is the third oldest burial ground in the city that is visited by many tourists each year. A lot of victims of the Boston Massacre are buried here. The famous patriots Paul Revere and James Otis are also buried here. In addition to that, the three signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here including Sam Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. It is also a resting ground for Benjamin Franklin's parents. It’s a must-see place with significant ties to Revolutionary Leaders. 

 

The headstones are carved with hands and are a work of art. Each gravestone has its own unique artistry. When you enter this Burial Ground, you will notice the magnificent Egyptian Revival gates designed by Isaiah Rogers who also played a role in designing four burglar-proof vaults for the U.S. treasury Building. 

 

The largest monument on the Ground is the Franklin Monument, where the parents and siblings of Ben Franklin reside. Some people think that it’s the grave of Benjamin Franklin, but he is actually buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. He was born in Boston but left the city at the age of 17 for a fresh start in Philadelphia, PA.

 

Next to this, take a left and you’ll find a bolder stone which is the headstone of James Otis. James Otis was a truly passionate patriot and a lawyer. Next, you can see the monument of John Hancock and it is also quite huge. You cannot simply miss this. He was the richest man in Boston and also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was also the first elected governor of the commonwealth and served as a president of the Second Continental Congress. He helped fund the American Revolution with his riches. 

 

Follow along, and you will find the grave of Paul Revere. It is also directly behind the Franklin Monument, so you won’t miss it. He was appointed coroner for Suffolk County and was a bellmaker and a silversmith. 

 

You will find another signer of the Declaration of Independence by continuing along the loop; Robert Treat Paine. He was a graduate of Harvard just like Samuel and John but was less known. Next, you will find the grave of Samuel Adams whose headstone looks just like James Otis. He spent most of his life in poverty, unlike John Hancock. He was a founding member of the Sons of Liberty and was a fiery and charismatic speaker who stirred dissent. He also wrote many petitions against the British Crown. At the age of 73, he took the role of Office Governor after Hancock’s passing and died in 1793.

 

The cemetery gets quite busy during the daytime, so if you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s best to visit this place early or during low seasons. To get more details about the burial sites, it’s better to book a tour where a guide can explain everything properly. 

 

How to Get There

The Granary Burying Ground is one of the earliest stops on the Freedom Trail. It is nestled between the Park Street Church and Suffolk University. If you’re traveling via public transportation, take the T to the Boston Common and then continue walking northeast on Tremont Street which will take you towards Park Street Church. Now pass along this church, and you’ll find the Granary Burying Ground. It’s on the Freedom Trail and is open to the public all around the year from 9 am to 4 pm. There is also no charge for entry.

 

Best Time to Visit 

You can visit Granary Burying Ground whenever you want. It’s a place that attracts a lot of tourists every day. So, if you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s best to visit this place early. You can also visit this place during the low seasons. The cemetery has many fully grown trees that provide a really nice shade. It’s one of the earliest stops on the Freedom Trail, so you can easily walk through this place. And it’ll take you less than an hour to explore the whole area. Overall, it’s a very calm and peaceful place despite having so many visitors.

 

Features and Highlights 

- Granary Burying Ground has over 2300 grave markers and is one of the third largest cemeteries in Boston.

- The historic burying ground is named for the 12,000-bushel grain storage building nearby, presently occupied by Park Street Church.

- One of the most popular motifs of the cemetery is the “Soul Effigy” which represents the soul drifting to heaven after death. 

- Benjamin Franklin’s parents are buried in the cemetery. 

- Graves of the Declaration of Independence signers are in Granary Burying Ground including Sam Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine.

- Peter Faneuil who donated Faneuil Hall to Boston and was a notable figure is also buried in Granary Burying Ground. 

- Paul Revere, a lawyer and a patriot’s grave-marker is also in this burial Ground.

- Another notable figure, James Otis is buried in this cemetery. 

- It will take you around 30-40 minutes to explore the whole place as it is quite small.

- Features a magnificent Egyptian Revival gate designed by Isaiah Rogers.

Each gravestone is carved beautifully and is unique in its own way. 

Puritan Churches did not believe in imagery, so the people of Boston expressed artistry with each tombstone uniquely. 

When you’re done exploring, go into Beantown Pub which is across Tremont Street, order a Samuel Adams Beer and enjoy.