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Old Hill Burying Ground

4.8
Β·10 reviewsΒ·Newburyport, United States

A historic burying ground in Newburyport, MA, featuring 18th-century gravestones, veteran memorials, and serene old trees.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming trees and fresh air

CrowdLow
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Old Hill Burying Ground - Image 1

Old Hill Burying Ground

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming trees and fresh air

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic burying ground in Newburyport, MA, featuring 18th-century gravestones, veteran memorials, and serene old trees.

4.8
(10 reviews)

"A 'taphophile dream' and 'very cool walk' for history lovers seeking reflection."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Walk with Respect

Tread lightly and be mindful of your surroundings. This is a historic burial site, so quiet contemplation is key.

🌸 Seasonal Views

See it covered in snow for a unique look, or visit in spring to enjoy the blooming trees.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 Β· 10 reviews

Type

Cemetery

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

18th Century Tombstones

18th Century Tombstones

Throughout the cemetery

Discover unique carvings and inscriptions on stones from the 1700s and earlier, offering a glimpse into colonial life.

Veteran Memorials

Veteran Memorials

Newer section

Honor those who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East in this moving tribute to military service.

Plaque Honoring Black Graves

Plaque Honoring Black Graves

Specific section

A special marker acknowledges and reclaims the graves of Black individuals, a significant historical detail.

Majestic Old Trees

Majestic Old Trees

Throughout the cemetery

Enjoy the serene atmosphere and shade provided by large, mature trees, perfect for a peaceful sit.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

This historic burying ground is a place for quiet reflection. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly, avoid disturbing the stones, and appreciate the rich local history. Remember it's a final resting place, not a playground.

Seasonal Beauty & Preservation

While beautiful year-round, consider visiting in spring for blooming trees or winter for a unique snowy landscape. Some visitors note it's 'somewhat neglected,' so appreciate its current state and support preservation efforts if possible.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blooming trees and fresh air
Crowd
Low
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Snowy landscape, unique beauty
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime for reflection
Why
Peaceful and historic atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Walk with Respect

Tread lightly and be mindful of your surroundings. This is a historic burial site, so quiet contemplation is key. Reddit

🌸 Seasonal Views

See it covered in snow for a unique look, or visit in spring to enjoy the blooming trees. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Trees

Beyond the history, the large old trees offer a beautiful, tranquil setting for a peaceful sit. Reddit

πŸ” Local History Hunt

Great for those interested in local history, with many early settler gravestones to discover. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Walk with Respect

Tread lightly and be mindful of your surroundings. This is a historic burial site, so quiet contemplation is key. Reddit

🌸 Seasonal Views

See it covered in snow for a unique look, or visit in spring to enjoy the blooming trees. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Trees

Beyond the history, the large old trees offer a beautiful, tranquil setting for a peaceful sit. Reddit

πŸ” Local History Hunt

Great for those interested in local history, with many early settler gravestones to discover. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Old Hill Burying Ground to be a deeply historical and reflective site, rich with 18th-century gravestones and veteran memorials. While some note it's 'somewhat neglected,' the serene atmosphere, enhanced by old trees, makes it a peaceful place for exploration and connection to the past.

"MEMENTO MORI(Remember Death.)
While in my youth growing up in Newburyport, the Old Hill Burying Ground was a place to play. Sliding down a steep embankment on cardboard sheets and playing hide and seek in the night among the tombstones, it was all done in innocent fun. Many years later, I was drawn back another time and for very different reasons. A cemetery is a great place for reflection on one’s life, and a final resting place for those that pre-ceded us. Old Hill Burying Ground did not disappoint me in either. The tombstones, all on meandering terrain, are stylistically different in form as are the carvings and the inscriptions. Many are 18th c. and earlier. To realize one Mary Hoyt, born in 1713, lived to be 110 years old, and in a time where there were no medicines, who lived through the Am. Revolution and the War of 1812 and all of the ups and downs of life. A newer section honors the Veterans who endured WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East. A very moving experience."

Stephen Snow

"Taphophile dream! Interesting cemetery iconography. A special plaque honoring Black graves that were reclaimed. We went while it was covered in snow, it was quite lovely. Can't wait to see it in spring."

Than and Henry Taintor

"Historic Burial Ground that is somewhat neglected. Lots of History about the early settlers from the area. Would be nice if it could be better preserved."

Leanne d'Entremont

What People Like

Rich colonial history
Unique gravestone carvings
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Slightly neglected appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Old Hill Burying Ground is located in Newburyport, Massachusetts. It's accessible by car, and parking is generally available on surrounding streets. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable if you're not driving. Reddit

Yes, it's a well-known historical site in Newburyport. Use GPS navigation to guide you to the general area, and look for signage indicating the cemetery entrance. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven and meandering. Take your time to read the inscriptions and appreciate the historical context. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Old Hill Burying Ground is a public historical site and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and explore. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times posted, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light for safety and viewing. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter Old Hill Burying Ground. It's a free historical landmark for the public to visit and learn from. Reddit

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the respectful nature of the site. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a rich collection of 18th-century tombstones with unique carvings, a section honoring military veterans, and a plaque dedicated to Black graves. The grounds also feature large, old trees. Reddit+1

While children can visit, it's important to emphasize respectful behavior. Some visitors recall playing there in youth, but the primary purpose is historical reflection. Reddit

As a historic cemetery, amenities are minimal. There are no restrooms or visitor centers on-site. Plan accordingly before your visit. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

It's a historic burial ground for early settlers of Newburyport, containing graves from the 18th century and earlier, offering insights into colonial life and local history. Reddit+1

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The unique 18th-century tombstones with their intricate carvings offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The older trees also provide beautiful framing. Reddit

While generally allowed for personal use, always be mindful and respectful. Avoid disturbing gravestones or being intrusive to others who may be visiting for solemn reasons. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities can be beneficial, especially on overcast days or during late afternoons. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the grounds and trees. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and historical sites due to privacy and respect concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

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