Burial Hill | Plymouth

Burial Hill, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest and most historically significant cemeteries in the United States. Established shortly after the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620, it served as the primary burial ground for the early settlers of Plymouth Colony and remains a powerful symbol of the town’s colonial heritage.

Historical Background

Burial Hill was chosen for its elevated position overlooking Plymouth Harbor, providing a dry and defensible location for the settlement’s graves during the harsh early years. It quickly became the final resting place for many of the Pilgrims, including some of the colony’s most prominent figures. The hill’s use as a cemetery began in the early 1620s and continued well into the 18th and 19th centuries.

Notable Burials and Monuments

Burial Hill is the resting place of several key Pilgrim leaders and early settlers, among them:

Governor William Bradford: One of the most influential leaders of Plymouth Colony, Bradford served multiple terms as governor and chronicled the colony’s history in his journal, Of Plymouth Plantation. His grave is marked by a granite monument placed in the 19th century.

William Brewster: The colony’s senior elder and spiritual leader, Brewster played a central role in Pilgrim religious life and governance.

Miles Standish: The colony’s military leader, responsible for defense and relations with Native peoples.

Other Early Settlers: Many lesser-known Pilgrims and their families are buried here, representing the broader community of the original settlers.

Several gravestones and monuments date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring traditional colonial-era iconography such as skulls, cherubs, and hourglasses, reflecting Puritan views on mortality and the afterlife.

Cemetery Features and Landscape

Burial Hill is situated on a gently sloping rise that provides panoramic views of Plymouth Harbor and the surrounding town. The landscape combines natural beauty with solemnity, featuring old-growth trees, historic stone walls, and weathered headstones.

The cemetery includes a series of terraces and pathways that allow visitors to explore the various gravesites and monuments. Some areas have clusters of tightly packed stones, indicative of the early colonial burial practices.

Preservation and Public Access

Burial Hill is maintained as a historic site open to the public, providing visitors with a place for reflection, history education, and connection to Plymouth’s colonial past. Interpretive signage and guided tours are often available through local historical organizations, helping visitors understand the significance of the individuals buried there and the broader context of early American settlement.

Cultural and Historical Significance

As one of the earliest colonial cemeteries in New England, Burial Hill offers unique insights into the lives, struggles, and beliefs of the Pilgrims and their descendants. The site stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Plymouth Colony and its foundational role in American history.

The cemetery also serves as a solemn reminder of the hardships faced by early settlers, including disease, harsh climate, and conflict, all of which contributed to the high mortality rates that marked the colony’s formative years.

Nearby Landmarks

Burial Hill is located near several other important historical sites in Plymouth, including:

Plymouth Rock: The symbolic landing place of the Pilgrims.

Pilgrim Memorial State Park: Featuring monuments commemorating the Pilgrims’ arrival.

Cole’s Hill: Another early burial site and National Historic Landmark.

The First Parish Church: Historic church dating to the colonial period.

Summary

Burial Hill is a sacred and historic site that encapsulates the early colonial experience of Plymouth Colony. As the burial ground of prominent Pilgrim leaders and settlers, it offers a tangible connection to the founding generation of New England. Its scenic location, historic gravestones, and cultural significance make it a poignant destination for those seeking to understand and honor the origins of American history.