About The Oldest Cemetery In America
Founded in 1637, it is the final resting place of several notable Salem residents
A cemetery (not to be confused with a graveyard) is defined as an area set apart for or containing graves, tombs, or funeral urns, especially one that is not a churchyard. A graveyard, on the other hand, is defined as a smaller plot, such as those located alongside a church or other religious buildings.
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The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, is the oldest cemetery in America. Opened in 1637, it is the final resting place of several Salem notables. An estimated 485 headstones are to be found on the property, but since slaves weren’t allowed tombstones during that cruel era, records say that 600 people are buried there.
This oldest cemetery’s historical significance was recognized in 1975 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of Salem’s Charter Street Historic District. The first recorded reference to the Old Burying Point (as Charter Street Cemetery was often known) was in 1637, when town records show a local man named John Horne was given permission to erect a windmill in the ‘burial place.’
The next record appears in 1639, pertaining to the same windmill, and the same burial place, as the town. Officially the oldest cemetery in the United States, it is most famous for being the final resting place of many of the key figures involved in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
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Notable individuals buried in Charter Street Cemetery include Judge John Hathorne, who presided over the trials, and Mary Corey, who was accused of witchcraft and hanged. The cemetery is also home to many other historic graves, including those of Revolutionary War soldiers and prominent Salem residents.
The cemetery is open to the public and is a popular destination for tourists interested in Salem's rich history. In addition to its historical significance, Charter Street Cemetery is also known for its unique architecture and gravestones.
Many of the older gravestones are decorated with intricate carvings and symbols, making the cemetery a fascinating destination for those interested in art and design. Overall, Charter Street Cemetery is an important part of Salem's cultural heritage.
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It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of the United States. Charter Street Cemetery is currently open seven days a week from 12:00 PM till 4:00 PM, with last admission to the cemetery being 3:45 PM.
*Note: Some sources list Myles Standish Burial Ground in Duxbury, MA as the oldest cemetery in America. But that is not quite accurate. After a closer look, that cemetery was established in 1638, one year after The Old Burying Point Cemetery (1637) in Salem. Myles Standish Burial Ground is recognized as the oldest "maintained" cemetery by the American Cemetery Association.
However, The Old Burying Point Cemetery (also known as Charter Street Cemetery) is the oldest cemetery in America. The oldest graveyard in America is King's Chapel Burying Ground in Boston, MA, founded in 1630.