Copps Hill Burying Ground
4.5(200)google
4.4(52)yelp
HistoryHistoric BuildingwalkingGuided TourMust-SeeEerie & Haunted
Overview
Copps Hill Burying Ground is a deeply historic, solemn open-air sanctuary established in 1659, perched prominently atop the highest point of Boston's historic North End neighborhood. As the city's second-oldest historic cemetery, this quiet plot holds the graves of thousands of early colonial artisans, historic merchants, and key religious leaders from the Salem Witch Trials era. Walking among the weathered slate markers reveals bullet holes left maliciously by British soldiers who used the headstones for target practice.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 30-45 minutes
Best TimeThe best window is a clear morning between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM in spring or autumn. Set on a historic hill in the North End, morning sun offers nice lighting across the ancient gravestones and a beautiful vantage point to view the Charlestown riverfront over the fences.
Getting ThereLocated atop Hull St in the North End along the Freedom Trail, take the MBTA Subway Green or Orange Line to Haymarket Station. Follow the red brick line markings on the sidewalk through the neighborhood for a 10-minute walk up the gentle incline.
Travel Tips
- Situated on a prominent hill, the terrain is uneven and steep, making it inaccessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Winter ice creates severe hazards; slip-resistant footwear is essential.
- Do not touch the historic bullet holes on markers like the Mather tomb—inflicted by British troops using graves for target practice. Headstone rubbing is completely banned by city code.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The northeast railing corner is an exceptional elevated vantage point to photograph the USS Constitution and the Zakim Bridge. Sunset provides clear, unobstructed photo horizons.
Reviews
Positive
- As the highest point in the North End, it holds deep historical value (burial site of the Mather dynasty) and offers excellent vistas overseeing the Charles River and USS Constitution.
- Completely free to enter as an ancient Freedom Trail landmark, it preserves a heavy, pure historic authenticity and is far more tranquil and less crowded than downtown cemeteries.
- Ancient trees and rows of weathered black tombstones echo beautifully; steps and entry signs are clearly maintained, lending a solemn and historical atmosphere.
- A few minutes' walk leads to the famous Little Italy food strip, offering superb locational convenience for combining history treks with Italian culinary experiences.
Heads up
- Perched on a small hill crest means the interior and entrance feature several steep stone steps, completely lacking accessible ramps, highly unfriendly to wheelchairs/strollers.
- Foundational amenities are primitive and scarce; there are no public restrooms or rest benches, and trash bins are sparse, making long stays inconvenient.
- Without booking a professional third-party guide, relying solely on a few weathered metal plaques makes it hard to absorb the Revolutionary War lore, reducing entertainment.
- The neighborhood consists entirely of tight single-lane historic alleys where street parking is non-existent, and public bus stops require a lengthy walk due to the terrain.