Annual Phipps Burial Ground Lecture and Tour
Come join us for the Charlestown Historical Society's Annual Phipps Burial Ground Lecture and Tour. This in-person event will take place at the Phipps Street Burying Ground located in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Explore the history and stories behind this historic cemetery with CHS Board VP Dr. Timothy Riordan. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the past and enjoy a fascinating tour of this local landmark. See you there!
The Phipps Street Burying Ground in Charlestown, Massachusetts, is one of Boston's seven 17th-century burying grounds, established in 1630. It holds historical significance as the oldest cemetery within Boston's present limits and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Wikipedia
Historical Significance
- Early Colonial Burial Site: As Charlestown's founding fathers designated the land as the town's burying place shortly after settlement, it became the primary cemetery for the community. Boston.gov
- Notable Interments: The cemetery is the final resting place of several prominent individuals, including:
- Nathaniel Gorham, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and president of the Continental Congress.
- John Harvard, namesake of Harvard University.
- Oliver Holden, an American composer and compiler of hymns.
- Benjamin Gorham, a U.S. Congressman.
- Phineas Pratt, an early settler who made a significant journey to warn of an Indian uprising. Wikipedia
Unique Features
- Original Layout: Unlike many other 19th-century burial grounds that underwent "re-arranging campaigns" to straighten gravestones, Phipps Street Burying Ground retains its original configuration. Boston.gov
- Family Plots: The cemetery features small rectangular plots, reflecting the burial practices of Charlestown families. Boston.gov
- Gravestone Artistry: The site showcases early American gravestone carvings, including works by the "Charlestown Carver" and the Lamson family, known for their distinctive death's head motifs and winged skulls. Wikipedia
