Old York Burying Ground
Explore one of Maine's oldest cemeteries, featuring remarkable 18th & 19th-century gravestone art and captivating local legends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Old York Burying Ground
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Maine's oldest cemeteries, featuring remarkable 18th & 19th-century gravestone art and captivating local legends.
"A great hidden gem in one of the oldest cemeteries in the Pine State."
🚶♀️ Wander with Wonder
Take your time to explore the diverse gravestone styles and historical markers. :camerawithflash:
👻 Seek Mary's Legend
Look for Mary Nasson's grave and the unique stones. Visitors often leave small tokens. :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mary Nasson's Grave
Central section
The legendary 'witch's grave' with unique 'wolf stones' and tokens left by visitors.
Historic Gravestone Art
Throughout the cemetery
Admire diverse 18th and 19th-century gravestone carvings from renowned New England artisans.
Candlemas Day Massacre Memorial
Near the entrance
A poignant memorial commemorating victims of a significant historical event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Uncover Local Lore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander with Wonder
Take your time to explore the diverse gravestone styles and historical markers. :camerawithflash:
👻 Seek Mary's Legend
Look for Mary Nasson's grave and the unique stones. Visitors often leave small tokens. :gift:
🌳 Enjoy the Shade
Large, old trees provide beautiful shade, making it a pleasant spot even on warmer days. :evergreen_tree:
🗺️ Use the Reference Map
Locate early York families with the provided burial ground map. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander with Wonder
Take your time to explore the diverse gravestone styles and historical markers. :camerawithflash:
👻 Seek Mary's Legend
Look for Mary Nasson's grave and the unique stones. Visitors often leave small tokens. :gift:
🌳 Enjoy the Shade
Large, old trees provide beautiful shade, making it a pleasant spot even on warmer days. :evergreen_tree:
🗺️ Use the Reference Map
Locate early York families with the provided burial ground map. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old York Burying Ground as a well-preserved historical gem with fascinating gravestone art and intriguing local legends, particularly Mary Nasson's grave. It's considered a peaceful and educational stop for those interested in history and unique local lore.
"The Old Parish Cemetery in York is a small treasure. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Maine and has fine examples of different grave stone styles from carvers from all over New England. Most people visit and comment on the grave of Mary Nasson because they feel she must have been a witch. They thought that the stone behind her grave was put there by her husband to keep her under ground. In Connecticut they called these large stones laid over the graves "Wolf Stones" to keep wolves from digging up the shallow graves they tried to dig in the granite hill country of SW Connecticut. Mary Nasson's grave stone was carved by Joseph Lamson of Boston whose decendants also carved Mary Emmerson's grave stone. I was surprised to see the large brown Connecticut river valley sandstone gravestone for Mrs. Ruthe Lyman(1785) which was carved by John Johnson and must have been put on a ship in southern Connecticut and shipped up to York. The stones for Samuel Moody and John Bragdon are wonderful examples of Henry Emmes' beautiful stone carving. The Burial Ground has a reference map showing where the early York families are buried. If you love history or like examining well preserved and very old gravestones, you should spend a few minutes wandering through these old stones under the wonderful shade provided by large old trees."
Sam Smith
"Amazing old cemetery with historic headstones, one of a supposed witch with gifts from visitors - what a great hidden gem in one of the oldest cemeteries in the Pine State."
Theresa St. John
"This is an awesome cemetery to check out, it’s very historical and has a memorial for the victims of the candlemas day massacre. Many people bring a token or trinket to leave on Mary’s grave since it was once rumored to be a witches grave."
Jessica B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old York Burying Ground is located in York, Maine. It's easily accessible by car, with street parking often available nearby. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the town center.
Public transportation options directly to the cemetery are limited. It's best to check local York transit schedules if relying on public transport, though driving or walking from nearby attractions is more common.
Parking is typically available on the streets surrounding the cemetery. During peak tourist seasons, it might be more challenging to find a spot close by, so arriving earlier is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Old York Burying Ground is free. It's an open historical site for public visitation and exploration.
The cemetery is generally open from dawn until dusk. As it's an outdoor historical site, there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to enter the Old York Burying Ground. It's a historical landmark maintained for public appreciation.
Yes, the Old York Burying Ground is accessible year-round. However, winter conditions may affect accessibility and the overall visitor experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of historic gravestones, including unique carvings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Key points of interest include Mary Nasson's grave and the Candlemas Day Massacre memorial.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour exploring the cemetery, depending on their interest in history and gravestone art.
While official guided tours may not always be available, the historical markers and the reference map provide excellent self-guided exploration opportunities. Local historical societies might offer special tours seasonally.
The terrain can be uneven in places due to the age of the cemetery. While some paths are relatively clear, visitors with mobility issues should proceed with caution.
Mary Nasson's grave is famously associated with local legends of witchcraft. Visitors often leave tokens or trinkets, and the large stones over her grave are sometimes called 'wolf stones.'
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a popular spot for historical and artistic photography, capturing the unique gravestone designs.
The intricate carvings on the older gravestones, Mary Nasson's grave with its unique stones, and the overall atmosphere under the shade trees offer great photographic opportunities.
Please be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if other visitors are present, and never disturb the gravestones or any offerings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring the cemetery's reference map to make it a treasure hunt for specific family names or unique carvings. The large, old trees offer shade, making it a pleasant spot for a quiet break. Ensure children understand the importance of not disturbing the graves or leaving anything inappropriate. It's a great opportunity to teach about local history and the concept of remembrance in a tangible way.
🏛️ History Buffs & Genealogists
Utilize the reference map to trace family lines and identify notable early settlers. Researching the carvers behind the stones, such as Lamson or Emmes, can add another layer to your exploration. The presence of stones from various regions, like the Connecticut River Valley sandstone, hints at broader trade and migration patterns. This site is perfect for those who love to delve deep into the past and uncover the stories etched in stone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Gravestone Carving
Many of the stones are significant historical artifacts in themselves, sometimes shipped from distant quarries, like the Connecticut River Valley sandstone found for Mrs. Ruthe Lyman. Examining these stones provides insight into trade routes, craftsmanship, and the economic status of the deceased. The preservation of these carvings is exceptional, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry and the stories they tell about the lives of early York residents.
For history buffs and art enthusiasts, the cemetery offers a unique opportunity to study these historical markers up close. The reference map available on-site can help you locate specific carvers or prominent families, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the cemetery's rich artistic heritage.
Legends and Lore: Mary Nasson
Today, Mary Nasson's grave remains a focal point for visitors, many of whom leave small tokens, trinkets, or flowers as a gesture of respect or curiosity. This tradition adds a layer of contemporary engagement to the historical site, blending past beliefs with present-day fascination. The story of Mary Nasson highlights how local folklore can transform a historical burial site into a place of enduring mystery and intrigue.
Exploring this aspect of the cemetery offers a glimpse into the community's historical beliefs and the power of storytelling to shape the perception of a place. It's a reminder that historical sites often hold more than just the stories of the deceased; they also carry the echoes of the living's interpretations and legends.
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