Burial Hill Cemetery (1622)

A must-stop along the historic path of the Pilgrims, Burial Hill is the site is one of their first forts and the burial place of William Bradford and other first settlers. Set high atop the hill, the Pilgrims placed their cannons facing the harbor for protection.

Burial Hill is located at the top of Town Square and to the side of the Mayflower Meetinghouse at 19 Town Square. The Plymouth Antiquarian Society invites you to explore one of Plymouth’s greatest historic treasures during a series of free themed discovery tours.  Encounter art, history, and culture in an open-air museum with local historians who share their expertise on a fascinating range of topics.

Burial Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places. The hill has been used for burials by Plymouth residents since the 1620s. The first English settlers (known as “The Pilgrims”) built their first fort/meeting house here. Mayflower passengers are buried here including Governor William Bradford and William and Mary Brewster. The last burial took place in 1957.

The Earliest grave markers were of carved wood, and do not survive today. Stone Markers were likely used starting in the mid-seventeenth century. Today, the oldest known stone on Burial Hill is that of Edward Gray, 1681. These early stone markers are valuable historic documents, and many are irreplaceable works of folk art. As you walk through Burial Hill, please remember that this is historic and sacred ground, which deserves care and respect. Many stones have a better chance of survival if they are not touched. We appreciate your cooperation.

Monthly Tours: The Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum have collaborated together to offer thematic tours of Plymouth’s ancient burying ground to the public on the first Saturday of each month from February through December. These Free Public Tours begin at the top of the Hill at 1 pm and last approximately one hour.