Burial Hill Cemetery (1622) located on School Street has has been used for burials by Plymouth residents since the 1620s. The first English settlers (known as "The Pilgrims") built their first fort/meeting house here.
Here, Mayflower passengers are buried including Govenor William Bradford and William & Mary Brewster. The last burial took place in 1957.
The earliest grave markers were of carved wood, and do not survive today. Stone markers were likely used starting in the mid-seventeenth century. Today, the oldest known stone on Burial Hill is that of Edward Gray, 1681.
These early stone markers are valuable historic documents, and many are irreplaceable works of folk art. As you walk through Burial Hill, please remember that this is historic and sacred ground, which deserves care and respect. Many stones have a better chance of survival if they are not touched. We appreciate your cooperation.