Old Burying Point Cemetery | Salem MA

Old Burying Point Cemetery – In Detail

The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, is the oldest cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts, and one of the oldest colonial burial grounds in the United States, established around 1637. Tucked into downtown Salem along Charter Street, beside the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, it serves as a solemn and atmospheric resting place for some of the city's most influential early residents, including figures directly tied to the infamous 1692 witch trials.

Historical Significance

Early Colonial Burial Ground:
The cemetery was established during the early decades of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a time when Salem was among the most prominent Puritan settlements. The grave markers and layout reflect 17th- and 18th-century burial customs steeped in Puritan theology and early American funerary art.

Link to the Salem Witch Trials (1692):
Several individuals connected to the witch trials are interred here-notably judges and accusers, not victims, as those executed for witchcraft were denied Christian burials and were likely buried in unmarked graves near the execution site on Gallows Hill or nearby creeks.

Notable Burials

Judge John Hathorne (1641–1717):

One of the most infamous figures of the witch trials and the only trial judge who never repented for his role in the persecution.

He is the great-great-grandfather of author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who added a “w” to his name to distance himself from the family legacy.

Reverend John Higginson (1616–1708):

Minister of the First Church of Salem, known for his leadership during the colony’s early religious and social life. Though not directly involved in the witch trials, he represents the spiritual authority of Puritan Salem.

Bartholomew Gedney (c. 1640–1698):

Another magistrate involved in the trials, Gedney sat on the Court of Oyer and Terminer and helped condemn many of the accused. He was a merchant and prominent town leader.

Mary Corey (?):

Believed by some to be a relative of Giles Corey, who was pressed to death during the trials. This connection, though debated, adds to the lore surrounding the cemetery.

Gravestones and Carvings

Symbolism:
The headstones in the cemetery display classic Puritan iconography:

Death’s heads: skulls with wings, symbolizing the soul’s flight after death

Cherubs, hourglasses, and scythes: reminders of mortality and divine judgment

Willow trees and urns: more common on 18th-century markers, reflecting a softer view of death over time

Material and Condition:
The gravestones are primarily made from slate, sandstone, and early marble. Some are worn or broken due to centuries of exposure, but many are remarkably legible, preserved with care by local and national heritage programs.

Epitaphs:
Many markers include lengthy biblical verses, moral reflections, or details about the deceased’s role in the community, offering insight into colonial values and beliefs.

Cultural and Educational Role

Walking Tours:
The cemetery is a featured stop on many of Salem’s historical walking tours. These tours emphasize the site's age, its ties to the trials, and the evolution of colonial burial practices.

Public Access and Preservation:
The site is open to the public and managed by the City of Salem with support from preservationists. Interpretive signs and guided materials help visitors understand the cemetery's context and significance.

Restoration Efforts:
Ongoing conservation ensures the delicate stones are stabilized and that foot traffic doesn’t erode the ground or damage the history embedded in the landscape.

Atmosphere and Surroundings

Adjoining the Witch Trials Memorial:
The cemetery shares a border with the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, providing a striking contrast: the judges and townspeople buried under carved stones, while the innocent victims of the trials lie in unknown graves nearby, honored only by names etched into granite benches.

Urban Refuge:
Despite its location in the heart of Salem’s busy tourist area, the cemetery offers a quiet, reflective space. Its mature trees, crooked stones, and historic aura give it an otherworldly, almost timeless quality.

Seasonal Appeal:
Especially popular in October, during Salem’s Halloween season, the cemetery draws thousands of visitors. However, its tone remains respectful, with signage and caretakers ensuring it’s treated as a sacred place, not a spooky attraction.

Summary

The Old Burying Point Cemetery is one of the most deeply historic places in Salem, serving as a burial ground for many of the town’s earliest and most influential residents. As a silent witness to the Puritan era, the witch trials, and 300+ years of New England history, it offers profound insights into the cultural, spiritual, and civic fabric of colonial Massachusetts. Whether you’re interested in the Salem Witch Trials, early American gravestone art, or simply seeking a quiet place to reflect, the cemetery stands as a haunting yet dignified monument to the people who shaped one of America’s oldest towns.