Granary Burying Ground is the 3rd oldest cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts
The Granary Burying Ground, situated in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, was established in 1660 – just 40 years after Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock. This historical cemetery is the final resting place of many key figures from the American Revolution and early U.S. history. Located on Tremont Street in downtown Boston, it is part of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that connects significant historical sites.
Originally part of Boston Common, the land was set aside as a burial ground due to the growing population.
It was first known as the South Burying Ground before the name was changed to Granary Burial Ground. The name “granary” came from the 12,000-bushel grain storage facility built nearby in 1729 to provide for the needy.
There are 2,345 gravestones on the 2-acre lot, though it is believed that more than 8,000 people are buried there. Some were interred in mass graves, while others had headstones that have since decayed or been lost.
The most common symbol on the gravestones at Granary Burying Ground is the winged skull which represents the soul of the deceased flying to heaven.
Winged skull gravestone symbols were common in 18th-century cemeteries. While they may look strange to us today – even morbid or creepy – they held important meaning for our ancestors.[1]
Winged skull symbols are common at Granary Burying Ground
Death was a frequent visitor to households in the 1700s. In many areas, it was a world of poverty with poor sanitation, malnourishment, and scant medical knowledge. Infant and child mortality were high. Epidemics of smallpox, measles, and whooping cough swept through communities, overcoming the most vulnerable.
Since death was an everyday part of this generation’s life, it makes sense that emblems of mortality made their way onto tombstones.[1] Winged skull symbols evolved from earlier skull and crossbones symbols. The symbol later transitioned from winged skulls to flying angels.
Other cemetery symbols at Granary Burial Ground include hourglasses (a reminder that life is short) and weeping willow trees (a symbol of grief).
Notable Burials
Paul Revere – The famous silversmith and patriot known for his "Midnight Ride" to warn citizens of British attack
John Hancock – A Founding Father and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence
Samuel Adams – A key leader of the American Revolution and signer of the Declaration of Independence
Franklin gravestone at Granary Burying GroundRobert Treat Paine – A signer of the Declaration of Independence
The Parents of Benjamin Franklin – Franklin himself is buried in Philadelphia, but his parents, Josiah Franklin and Abiah Franklin, are buried at Granary Burying Ground.
Today, Granary Cemetery is a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into colonial-era burial practices and Revolutionary War history. It is maintained by the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The old tombstones and mature trees are right in the middle of an urban setting.
There are well-groomed walking paths and interpretive signs about key figures. Self-guided visits are popular, but guided tours are also available through Freedom Trail tours and private history groups. Tour guides often share stories about the cemetery's rich history, including legends, grave markers, and the symbolism of 17th- and 18th-century funerary art.
