Old Burying Ground


Outdoor attraction, open year-round

The Old Burying Ground dates back to 1690 and contains the remains of many of those who lived in Lexington during the Revolutionary period. It is fortunate that the grave markers here, mostly made of slate, have survived the weathering effects of time very well. Names, dates, and inscriptions are easily read, including some rather macabre epitaphs. Individual stone carvers’ styles varied as did the general designs when customs changed. Carved skull and cross bones of the 18th century gave way to more classical style of urns and willows in the early part of the 19th century.

Included among the more notable of those buried here are Capt John Parker, leader of the Lexington militia on the Battle Green on April 19, 1775 when the men of Lexington suffered their losses at the hands of the King’s soldiers who were on their way to Concord. While he survived on April 19, Parker did not live to celebrate independence from Great Britain, since he died from tuberculosis in September of 1775. His grave is marked by a six foot tall granite obelisk in the northwest part of the graveyard. Also buried here are the remains of ministers John Hancock and Jonas Clarke and their spouses. These two clergy led Lexington parishioners for nearly all of the 18th century. Hancock was the grandfather of the more famous John Hancock who was one of the leaders of the rebellion in Massachusetts and, later in 1776, first signed the Declaration of Independence. Clarke was minister during the Revolutionary period and a strong supporter of the rebel cause. Their marker is a “table” slab on legs to the right as one enters the graveyard proper. An unnamed Redcoat who was wounded in Lexington on April 19 but died a few days later is also interred toward the northeast side of the graveyard. A plain rectangular granite slab marks his location. Another noteworthy grave is seen to the right shortly after you enter the graveyard. Look for the large marker of the six children of the Childs family who all died within a three week period, likely from a contagious disease like smallpox.

The entrance to the cemetery is marked by a large granite boulder to the left of the large white First Parish Church just northwest of the Battle Green on Massachusetts Ave. Enter via the driveway at the boulder.