Granary Burying Ground is a historic cemetery on Tremont Street, beside Park Street Church and along Boston’s Freedom Trail. Opened in 1660, it holds the graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock and victims of the Boston Massacre. Look for the carved skulls and winged figures on the old headstones, known as soul effigies. It is a compact stop for Revolutionary-era history, with volunteer guides sometimes sharing information outside the entrance.
A cemetery on the Freedom Trail
Granary Burying Ground is on Tremont Street, next to Park Street Church and close to Boston Common. It opened in 1660 as Boston’s population grew and more burial space was needed. The name came later, from the granary that once stood near the present site of Park Street Church.
The cemetery is the third oldest in Boston and a stop on the Freedom Trail. Its graves connect the site to the city’s colonial and Revolutionary-era history.
Whose graves to look for
Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock are among the best-known people buried here. The cemetery also holds Crispus Attucks and other victims of the Boston Massacre, as well as Robert Treat Paine, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin’s parents are buried here, too.
The headstones are part of the visit. Many have weathered over time, and some carry a carved soul effigy: a skull with wings. Look across the grounds for these designs and for the different forms of colonial-era funerary carving.
How to explore the grounds
You can walk through the cemetery independently or include it in a guided Freedom Trail tour. Volunteer guides may be stationed outside with information for visitors. For a tour focused on the city’s Revolutionary history, choose a Freedom Trail tour; a Ghost and Gravestone tour provides a nighttime perspective.
The cemetery can become busy during the day. An early or late visit gives you a better chance to explore at a quieter pace. It is a place of burial, so keep your visit considerate and give others space to reflect.
FAQ
Who is buried at Granary Burying Ground?
Notable graves include those of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Crispus Attucks and Robert Treat Paine. Victims of the Boston Massacre and Benjamin Franklin’s parents are also buried there.
When did Granary Burying Ground open?
The cemetery opened in 1660. It was named for a granary that once stood near the site of Park Street Church.
Can you visit Granary Burying Ground on your own?
Yes. You can explore independently or visit as part of a guided Freedom Trail tour.
How long should you spend at Granary Burying Ground?
Allow around 30 to 60 minutes to walk through the grounds and look at the graves and carvings.
