Old North Cemetery (Franklin Pierce Grave) - Image 1
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Franklin Pierce Grave Old North Cemetery

4.9
·14 reviews·Concord, United States

Discover the final resting place of President Franklin Pierce and explore centuries of New Hampshire history etched in stone at this beautiful, histor...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Pleasant weather for walking

CrowdLow
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Old North Cemetery (Franklin Pierce Grave) - Image 1

Franklin Pierce Grave Old North Cemetery

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Pleasant weather for walking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the final resting place of President Franklin Pierce and explore centuries of New Hampshire history etched in stone at this beautiful, historic cemetery.

4.9
(14 reviews)

"A gem in the city for folks who like to visit old graveyards, with free summer tours! Reddit"

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TIP

🚶‍♀️ Respectful Exploration

Remember this is a cemetery. Be quiet and stay on paths to honor the departed.

📅 Summer School Tours

Middle school students offer free, informative tours in the summer. A great way to learn history!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

President Franklin Pierce's Grave

President Franklin Pierce's Grave

Minot Enclosure

The final resting place of the 14th U.S. President, a key figure in pre-Civil War American history.

Historic Gravestones

Historic Gravestones

Throughout the cemetery

Discover centuries-old markers, including those of former Governors, Senators, and notable New Hampshire families.

Minot Enclosure

Minot Enclosure

Off the main area

A distinct, fenced area within the cemetery that houses the Pierce family plot.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visit

This is a historic cemetery, so please be mindful and respectful. While it's a place of historical significance, it's also a final resting place. Keep noise levels down and stay on designated paths.

Best Time for Exploration

Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best visibility of the gravestones and historical markers. Summer offers pleasant weather for walking, and local middle school tours are available then.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for walking
Crowd
Low
When
Daylight hours
Why
Best visibility for markers
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Concord and Lexington on a budget

🚶‍♀️ Respectful Exploration

Remember this is a cemetery. Be quiet and stay on paths to honor the departed. Reddit

📅 Summer School Tours

Middle school students offer free, informative tours in the summer. A great way to learn history! Reddit

reddit.com

Unusual tourist advice

reddit.com

The Melvin Memorial in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, Mass

🔍 Seek Older Graves

Beyond Pierce, explore for fascinating 1700s gravestones. Worth the walk! Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Respectful Exploration

Remember this is a cemetery. Be quiet and stay on paths to honor the departed. Reddit

📅 Summer School Tours

Middle school students offer free, informative tours in the summer. A great way to learn history! Reddit

🔍 Seek Older Graves

Beyond Pierce, explore for fascinating 1700s gravestones. Worth the walk! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Old North Cemetery to be a beautiful and historic location, particularly for its connection to President Franklin Pierce and its collection of centuries-old gravestones. Many appreciate the free summer tours offered by local students, which provide an informative and engaging experience. It's seen as a peaceful place for a reflective walk and a glimpse into New Hampshire's past.

"Truly historic in nature, the burial place of 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce. The Pierce plot is located in the Minot enclosure, a small fenced in area off the main area of the cemetery. Pierce's strict interpretation of the Constitution and his firmly held beliefs in States Rights during his presidency began the inexorable march of the nation toward the Civil War."

Ed Murphy

"Beautiful old cemetery located in Concord, New Hampshire! You can find some of New Hampshire’s highest society here, from former Governors, to Senators, to Congressmen, to Military Officers, the famous Stickney’s who built the famous Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire, to Secretary’s of State to even a President being buried here! It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the Concord area and have an interest in New Hampshire History."

Florian Seaman

"Visit President Franklin Pierce here. Nothing too fancy about the cemetery. There are some fairly old Graves here from the 1700s. It's worth the walk around the cemetery to find the older Graves."

The Rev

What People Like

Historic gravestones
President Pierce's grave
Free summer tours

What People Dislike

Can be uneven terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old North Cemetery is located in Concord, New Hampshire. It's accessible by car, and parking is generally available on surrounding streets. Public transportation options might be limited, so checking local Concord transit schedules is advised.

While there isn't a dedicated parking lot, visitors can typically find street parking on the roads surrounding the cemetery. Be mindful of any local parking restrictions.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Old North Cemetery is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. It's free to visit and explore the grounds.

Cemeteries are generally open from dawn until dusk. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to better see the historical markers.

Yes, President Franklin Pierce's grave is a prominent feature within Old North Cemetery, located in the Minot Enclosure. It's a key point of interest for visitors.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Old North Cemetery features a beautiful, historic landscape with gravestones dating back to the 1700s. You can find the graves of notable New Hampshire figures, including former governors, senators, and President Franklin Pierce.

During the summer months, middle school students often provide free, informative tours of the cemetery. These tours are a great way to learn about the history and notable individuals buried there. Reddit

A visit to Old North Cemetery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the historical markers and finding specific graves. The student-led tours typically last 30-45 minutes. Reddit

The cemetery has grassy paths and uneven terrain in some areas. While you can see many graves from the main paths, some sections might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed in Old North Cemetery. It's a popular spot for historical and architectural photography, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the location.

The gravestones themselves, especially the older, more ornate ones, make for interesting photos. The Minot Enclosure with President Pierce's grave is a significant focal point. The overall landscape of the cemetery also offers picturesque views.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old North Cemetery can be an engaging, albeit quiet, outing for families interested in history. The free summer tours led by middle school students are a fantastic way to make the visit interactive and educational for children. Reddit These tours can bring the stories of the past to life in a way that simply walking through might not. Encourage kids to look for interesting dates or symbols on the gravestones. Remember to emphasize the importance of being respectful and quiet in a cemetery setting.

🏛️ History Buffs & Genealogists

For those passionate about history and genealogy, Old North Cemetery is a treasure trove. The sheer age of many gravestones, some dating back to the 1700s, offers a direct link to early American settlers and their descendants. Reddit Beyond President Pierce, the cemetery is a rich source for researching prominent New Hampshire families, including former governors and senators. Bring a notebook or use your phone to document interesting names, dates, and epitaphs. The Minot Enclosure is a must-see for its connection to presidential history.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance of Old North Cemetery

Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire, is a repository of local and national history. Established in the late 18th century, it serves as the final resting place for many prominent figures who shaped New Hampshire and the United States. The cemetery's layout and the inscriptions on its gravestones offer a tangible connection to the past, reflecting the social strata and historical events of different eras.

Among its most notable interments is President Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. His presence here underscores the cemetery's importance as a site of national historical interest. Beyond Pierce, the grounds are dotted with the graves of former governors, senators, military officers, and influential families like the Stickneys, who were instrumental in building the Mount Washington Resort. Exploring these markers provides a unique glimpse into the lineage of New Hampshire's leadership and its contributions to American development. Reddit

The cemetery itself is a beautiful example of a historic New England burial ground, with mature trees and a serene atmosphere. It's a place where history buffs and those interested in genealogy can spend hours uncovering stories etched in stone. The Minot Enclosure, where the Pierce family plot is located, is a particularly significant area for visitors. Reddit

Visiting President Franklin Pierce's Grave

The grave of President Franklin Pierce is a primary draw for many visitors to Old North Cemetery. Located within the Minot Enclosure, a distinct, fenced-off section, it offers a focal point for those interested in American presidential history. While the cemetery itself is historic, Pierce's plot is a specific point of pilgrimage for many.

Visitors often note that the plot is not overly elaborate, reflecting a more understated approach to memorialization. However, its significance as the final resting place of a U.S. President makes it a compelling stop. The surrounding gravestones in the Minot Enclosure also belong to the Pierce family, providing context to his lineage. Reddit

When visiting, remember that this is a solemn site. Approach with respect and take a moment to reflect on Pierce's presidency and his role in a pivotal period of American history. The cemetery's tranquil setting enhances the contemplative experience of visiting such a historically important grave. Reddit

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