Granary Burying Ground
4.7(516)google
4.6(125)yelp
HistoryHistoric BuildingwalkingGuided TourMust-See
Overview
The Granary Burying Ground is a deeply historic, incredibly solemn landmark founded in 1660, serving as the final resting place for some of America's most celebrated revolutionary heroes. Situated along Tremont Street, this quiet historic cemetery houses the graves of three signers of the Declaration of Independence: John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Robert Treat Paine. Visitors can walk shaded pathways to observe ancient slate headstones carved with historic soul-effigies and view the monumental obelisk dedicated to Benjamin Franklin's family.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 30-45 minutes
Best TimeThe peak time to visit is late autumn from October to November, when the golden foliage pairs beautifully with the historic red-brick surroundings along the Freedom Trail. Arrive right at the 9:00 AM opening to capture the morning light filtering through the trees and avoid the heavy tour groups that arrive after 10:00 AM.
Getting ThereLocated on Tremont Street in downtown Boston, next to the Park Street Church. Taking the MBTA subway is easiest: take the Green or Red Line directly to Park Street Station and walk 1 minute north, or take the Orange Line to Downtown Crossing Station and walk 3 minutes. Driving is highly discouraged due to congested streets and expensive parking.
Travel Tips
- The gates lock strictly between 4 PM and 5 PM depending on the season. Walking on the lawns is illegal; you must stay strictly on the designated gravel footpaths.
- Do not wander aimlessly looking for historic graves. Photograph the stone map index at the main entrance first to efficiently locate Paul Revere or John Hancock's markers.
- Historically, many headstones were rearranged to make lawn mowing easier, so some graves are empty markers. Gravestone rubbing is strictly forbidden by city ordinance.
Reviews
Positive
- Resting place of historic giants like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock; as a core stop on the Freedom Trail, its historical depth is profoundly immense.
- Completely free to the public and located right in the heart of downtown; the carvings on the tombstones are well-preserved, serving as a living early American history textbook.
- The burial ground is shaded by mature trees, creating a rare peaceful atmosphere in the bustling city center, with clear biography signs at key historical graves.
- Transportation is highly convenient, located right next to Park Street Station, allowing for a seamless walk to Boston Common and surrounding historic landmarks.
Heads up
- During peak travel season, the narrow dirt and gravel pathways get packed with tour groups, resulting in high tourist density where you must constantly dodge others.
- Being an ancient historic cemetery, the ground is uneven with exposed tree roots, offering a poor accessible experience for wheelchair users and strollers.
- Operating hours are limited by sunset and weather, usually locking up by late afternoon and closing even earlier in winter, often disappointing unprepared tourists.
- There are no permanent official guides on-site; without scanning QR codes or hiring third-party Freedom Trail guides, ordinary visitors may find it hard to understand the history.