America is home to a myriad of historical landmarks that date back hundreds of years. Although many people find themselves drawn to battle sites and famous buildings, others are more attracted to final resting places. Today, we explore seven of the oldest cemeteries in the United States in no particular ranked order.
1. Ste. Genevieve Memorial Cemetery
Ste. Genevieve Memorial Cemetery underwent a large restoration in 2010.
Ste. Genevieve Memorial Cemetery was established in 1787 and it is located in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Compared to others on this list, Ste. Genevieve Memorial Cemetery is smaller and spans a distance of roughly two blocks. Because of this, the capacity is at maximum and burials here ceased in the late 19th century. This cemetery is the final resting place of roughly 5,000 individuals, including people from a variety of Christian denominations, African Americans, Native Americans, and sadly, quite a few young children.
2. Old North Cemetery
Old North Cemetery is the oldest operating burial ground in Concord, New Hampshire.
This historic cemetery located in Concord, New Hampshire opened in 1730. Unlike some of the other cemeteries on this list, local officials decided to expand Old North Cemetery in 1842, and they still accept new burials to this day. Old North Cemetery is the oldest operating graveyard in the state of New Hampshire, and it is the final resting place of several historical figures. Notable people buried here are Lewis Downing, the creator of the Concord Coast, and U.S. President Franklin Pierce.
3. Greenlawn Cemetery
Graverobbing to steal jewelry was far more common than graverobbing for bodies.
©The Art of Pics/Shutterstock.com
Greenlawn Cemetery is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and has a sordid and strange history. This burial ground was established during the Civil War due to a growing need for final resting places for American soldiers. However, the graveyard hit capacity quickly, and additional space was needed. Crown Hill Cemetery was soon thereafter established, and locals began working to transfer the soldiers to the new graveyard. Shockingly, during this process, it became clear that many of the graves had been robbed and bodies had gone missing. According to Hoosier State Chronicles, “The clandestine pilfering of Indianapolis’ unguarded cemeteries stemmed from a constant need for fresh ‘instructional material’ at central Indiana medical schools, including Indiana Medical College, the Physiomedrical College of Indiana, and Greencastle’s Asbury College.”
4. Old Burying Point
The state of Massachusetts is home to many historic graveyards.
©Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock.com
Old Burying Point Cemetery is located in Salem, Massachusetts. Established in 1717, this cemetery is the oldest in Salem and one of the oldest in the United States. This cemetery had ties to the Salem Witch Trials. Many people who visit share similar stories of strange occurrences on the grounds. Reports of ghost sightings are frequent, so if you’re feeling adventurous, this is the cemetery for you. Notable people buried at Old Burying Point are John Hathorne, a prominent judge during the Salem Witch Trials, and Governor John Brooks.
5. Arlington National Cemetery
On average, Arlington National Cemetery performs roughly 3,000 burials annually.
©Orhan Cam/Shutterstock.com
Arlington National Cemetery is a historic military burial ground that opened in 1864. It is located in Arlington, Virginia, and serves as the final resting place of over 400,000 veterans and their family members. Although this graveyard is very old, it is very large. Because of this, Arlington National Cemetery is still accepting new burials. Incredibly, President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis are both buried here. Other notable figures buried at Arlington National Cemetery include President William Taft, Thurgood Marshall, and Robert F. Kennedy.
6. North Burial Ground
North Burial Ground is roughly 110 acres in size.
Located in Providence, Rhode Island, North Burial Ground first opened in 1700. As a municipal cemetery, folks from all walks of life are welcome here. Despite the fact that this graveyard is over 300 years old, the Providence Parks Department takes great care in maintaining the grounds. Roughly 200 burials happen annually at North Burial Ground, and visitors frequent the grounds daily. This is the final resting place of many notable figures, such as Governor Phillip Allen, Senator Jonathan Chace, and Major League Baseball player Fred Corey.
7. The Myles Standish Burial Ground
Myles Standish was the captain of the Mayflower.
Although this list isn’t in any particular ranked order, we saved the oldest cemetery in the United States for last. By now, you may have noticed a trend that many of these historic cemeteries are located in the Northeast, and some are nearly as old as the country itself. After landing in America, the first settlers began to set up communities in the Northeast. Naturally, part of this development would be the creation of graveyards. Located in Duxbury, Massachusetts, The Myles Standish Burial Ground is a prime example. In fact, any pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower are buried here, such as John Alden, George Soule, and Myles Standish, the captain of the ship and the namesake of this cemetery. Although it was originally established in 1638, this cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
How to Add Us to Google News
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
