The Burying Point

This is a tiny, historic cemetery in Salem, Mass. There is a small welcome center and gift shop, a memorial to those hanged during the Salem Witch Trials in the late 1690's, and a nice path to walk through. Its interesting, and historic, and worth seeing. But its a cemetery, so don't get your hopes up too high.

Amazing historic cemetery!!! Great place to walk around, you have to stay on the paths in order to help the preservation efforts but you can still see a lot of the old stones.

While visiting Salem, we stopped by this historic graveyard. It was crowded, so we didn’t get to look at a lot of specific graves, but it’s definitely a must visit. We would definitely take a tour to learn more about this historic place.

I'm a Salem resident and I am on a mission to tour all the local attractions AND historical sites. About this one: The Old Burying Point (Charter Street Cemetery) is the oldest colonial graveyard in Salem and one of the oldest in the United States. It is open to the public (you should check their website for opening hours) but you can only walk on the established paths. Contrary to popular belief, no witches were buried here. Still, this cemetery is extremely relevant first of all because of the impressive range of 1600s/1700s/1800s original headstones, many still readable, and because several notable people were buried here. In particular: Salem Witch Trial's judge John Hathorne (great-great-grandfather of Nathaniel Hawthorne), Mayflower's passenger Richard More, Samuel McIntire, considered one of the first architects of the country - and many others. I recommend to walk first to the far-right of the cemetery to have a look at the map of the graveyard so you can locate the relevant headstones. The map faces the "outside" of the cemetery (I guess it is located facing the original entrance of it) so you might not note it at first when using the current entrance (which is next to the Witch Trials Memorial on a pedestrian street). The map is "behind" a taller, rectangular stone. Locating the headstones is important for a meaningful walk through the cemetery. Still, even with the use of the map, not all stones are easy to find. The Charter Street Cemetery is one of the most visited spots in Salem - also because of its location just next to the Witch Trials Memorial - so be aware that it gets very very busy in October. During tourist season, you should check their website as you might have to get a "ticket" in advance to get in (entrance is always free). PROs This is a relevant historical site where both stones and landscape are very well maintained and picturesque. It's free. Pictures are allowed. CONs I can't stress this enough: this place can get busy.

Really liked this experience, it was kind of moving to see people that were founders of our country and here they are in real life I'll be at deceased but still very much a part of living history. Also don't forget to pay a respects to the which memorial next door very awesome

Free to enter - opens sometime after 10am on a Tuesday in June. We arrived around 9:30 and this was our first stop after parking and the visitor center. At that time, the gates were still locked, but we could see a lot from the memorial. We came back in the afternoon and it was all unlocked and we got to walk around inside the cemetery. Lots of very old graves and interesting style of the tomb stones. Definitely stop here if you’re visiting Salem, just make sure you don’t come too early or you’ll miss actually getting to go into the cemetery.

This is a beautifully preserved cemetery. It shows an interesting part of history. We spoke to a staff member but I didn't get their name. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the cemetery as well as Salem in general.

So when I got there there was a lady standing at the gate and you have to scan a ticket to make reservations it is free to walk through the cemetery. So once you go when it will take you around a loop the cemetery is very old dating back to the 1600s and it's very cool you are not able to walk on the grass and must stay on the path. I love checking cemeteries out and I thought this one was pretty cool and old-looking. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you are into history and old cemeteries like I am.

Really liked this experience, it was kind of moving to see people that were founders of our country and here they are in real life I'll be at deceased but still very much a part of living history. Also don't forget to pay a respects to the which memorial next door very awesome

Was not exactly walking through this cemetery. I was with on a ghost tour. Really cool history.

You can feel the energy of people's lives through the roots and branches of the trees. What a powerful place that's well preserved.

While in Salem Massachusetts we visited the old Burying Ground Charter Street Cemetery! It's free to walk around when open! Tony Vanoy Noël Teel Calliope & I strolled around looking at the almost too prestine tombstones in this over 400 yr old Burying Ground! If in Salem you must check it out! They have maps for a donation!

Meh You must pay for a map to see where they're buried. Not much of an explanation. Can't walk off the path.

Although in the middle of the bustling town center, once you're able to enter, it's a relatively peaceful walk and easy to forget there's a ton of people on all sides shopping, dining, and looking into the cemetery from the outside. Only when you're inside can you actually make out what the tombstones say, and there are a few notable ones including a notorious witch trial judge as well as a Mayflower pilgrim. I didn't realize a reservation on Eventbrite was needed (it's free!), but thankfully I was able to book one for later in the afternoon on a Saturday. They sold out around 12pm.

I was walking around Salem taking in the sights when I passed by the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It looked like an interesting place to visit, and I noticed that signage out front had a QR code to purchase tickets - since I had only loosely planned by day in the city, I thought it would be interesting to visit the cemetery. Needless to say, I booked a reservation and a few hours later made my way back to check it out. The Old Burying Point, also called the Charter Street Cemetery, is the oldest cemetery in Salem, and one of the oldest in the country. While admission is free, advance reservations are required which you can make on Eventbrite. Once you enter, there is no time limit you have to stay - depending on how long you want to explore you can see everything in about 30 to 60 minutes. There are a few notable people buried here - a handful of Nathaniel Hawthorne's family and some who had ties to the Salem Witch Trials. The dates of death range from the early 1700s to the early 1800s, and it's interesting to see how the gravestone designs changed over time. The skull headstones are the oldest, followed by the cherub, then the urn and willow being the more recent ones. The cemetery is located in close proximity to several other sights, and due to its self-guided nature it's a great place to stop and take in a bit of the city's history. I really enjoyed my time here and would recommend it to anyone visiting Salem.

Certainly a very interesting cemetery on Charter Street. It is behind the Peabody Essex Museum and next to the Witch Trials Memorial.It is the burial ground of judges involved in the Salem Withc Trials of the 1690s and Revolutionary War victims. it tarted in 1637 and is also known as the "Charter Street Cemetery". It is the oldest cemetery in Salem. May early and famous Salem residents are buried here such as John Hathorne, a judge in the Salem with trials of 1692 and Samuel McIntire, Salem's great woodcarver. It was a private cemetery of the Wade family, acquired by the town of Medford in May of 1717. The oldest headstone is from 1683 with the latest marked 1881. For 45 years, the land was used as a private farm and plantation! There are more than 50 slaves buried at the cemetery as well as numerous Revolutionary War soldiers laid to rest here. There is no fee to go in; of course, donations are accepted. It is nice to walk through and read the tombstone.

A cemetery with graves dating back to the 17th century. Free entry to explore around. Gravestones are fragile and you are urged to remain on path. Lots of historical people are buried here, including the Salem Witch trials as well as some Mayflower passage individuals.

If you are coming during peak times (October) then make sure you book your time slot ahead of time! They do not let everyone walk through and look around. You have to sign up you and your party and boy did they fill up fast! Don't worry if you don't get a spot though! You can get a very good view of the cemetery from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

Lots of super old graves here with very rich history! We loved exploring this cemetery and reading the things in the stones. We were glad there were people outside reminding visitors of proper etiquette to preserve these graves.

My family and I stop in Salem last week we decided to hit up all the tourist attractions and sites and sceneries at the sea city has to offer. And this was one of the cooler places we saw that had the Salem witch trials memorial next to it and they had a bunch of unmarked or older graves or you can't see who is buried there anymore but it just brought a lot of earring is saying just memorial in history alive so it's really cool to see

A must see in Salem. The sacredness of this cemetery is mind blowing to see all of the old tombs and tombstones. It has so many gravesites and some are so old you can just barely see an inscription. Also with this cemetery, there is a walk around to see the victims of the witch trials, like a marker of their names, date of death, and what they weree accused of, and how they died. It is so eye opening to see the cemetery and to read the inscriptions and how old and historical this whole area is. I hIghly recommend going to this area more than oNce. Most of the tours will go by here at night, so take lots of pictures to try to catch any orbs. Give it a few tries and really open your eyes and mind to it. It has so much history to be learned and to keep from happening again.

Definitely a must see when visiting Salem! A good bit of information, a walk thru the cemetery and the witch trial monument. Lovely little house tour/gift shop!

I love an old cemetery and they don't get much older than the ones you find in Massachusetts. Old Burying Point Cemetery is noteworthy for being the place where many of the players in the Salem Witch Trials were buried as well as the final resting place of one of the Mayflower Pilgrims. Tombstones from that era are beautiful and kind of ghoulish, my favorite combination. Adorned with skulls, cherubs, plants, etc depending on the year of death (there were trends in tombstone art by decade), they are many names and death dates to take in here. There are a few loose maps and historical markers that show some of the more significant burial plots but they can be hard to find. I just enjoyed walking through and reflecting on a beautiful summer evening, just before sunset when the light was just right. I didn't do a formal tour but I did overhear one of the walking tours in town come through there which had some fun facts that I'd be interested to learn more about. If we come through I'd definitely do one because I'd love to know more about who was laid to rest there and the history of that burial place. But it's worth a visit even if you're just walking and exploring on your own.

Beautiful tribute. Peaceful and thoughtful m. We loved stocking through, leaving flowers

we visited here yesterday. i was part of a paranormal group, they allowed me to come along. the leader of the group sara was vary nice. her mother catherine was there also. a big thank you to sara and her mother for being so nice.

So very Interesting... AKA: Charter Street Cemetery They seem to be restoring the cemetery very often to keep the tombstones in preserved. The history of this town is absolutely amazing.....

I love checking out old cemeteries, they hold so much intrigue, mystery and history. Like that little rhyme? A lot of the headstones are worn to the point of being completely smooth with the carvings no longer visible to sight or touch.

It's odd to review a cemetery, even though I have done it in the past. But I have not reviewed one as old as this one. This one has more history to it than most cemeteries out there. Most notable about this cemetery is that this is the final resting place of many involved in the Salem Witch Trials. There is a map that show you where points of interests are within. For as old as this cemetery is, I was surprised to see how well cared for the tombstones were. Still readable, which made for a pleasant surprise. The cemetery itself is rather small, which makes for a quick stop, or if you like you can make this as long of a stop as you want. I always feel weird when I'm walking through a cemetery. What is the proper etiquette when doing so? Do you keep quiet? Do you walk right over the graves or figure a way to get around them without walking right on top of where someone is buried? Here, there are designated paths. Not sure if that was planned, or if that is just the way things panned out. It is located in a rather busy foot traffic area, but somehow I felt solitude when I was in here. It had a calming affect that slowed me down a bit when I was in such a hurry to get moving. Nice little respite for me that is for sure.

Not sure how to rate a cemetery. Do you rate it by the number of spirits that do (or don't) follow you home? The cleanliness of the gravestones? Four stars because I walked through this cemetery and it wasn't too creepy. It is a peaceful, quiet space, which is what you want in a cemetery (right?). This cemetery is an interesting part of the history of Salem. Many people are buried here, some from the 1600s and 1700s! All of them are people who were integral to the start of the Salem area. It's located in the heart of Salem, so just because of its proximity, it has an air of mystery to it. But it's a nice place to stroll through and ponder existential life questions.

An interesting walk thru Salem's residents last resting place! Viewing the head stones and reading descriptions and variety of years on these head stones.

Cool little cemetery with very old tombstones. Very spooky to think there are people buried here who were part of the trails. Very small, you can be in and out within 10 minutes. Not as touristy as expected, not many people were here when I came. Worth a visit if you are at the memorial since it is right next to it.

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely LOVE anything supernatural (but, I'm also a complete scaredy cat) so, once I booked my Boston ticket; I really wanted to go to Salem. And thankfully, Salem is the most "festive" during October! After walking around a bit and following various "must-see" attractions on a map, we came across the Burying Point. This is the oldest cemetary in Salem and the 2nd oldest in the country. How's the history on that! Completely creepy and UBER beautiful at sunset! Highly recommend coming here as the those killed during the Salem witch trials are buried near by.

I happen to love walking around cemeteries for no reason other than thinking about the people who are buried there and their stories. I enjoy reading the quotes on headstones, and the ones in this cemetery were particularly dark for some reason. I could have spent all day wandering, if not for my teens who were ready to move on to the arcade! If you enjoy cemeteries, this is a must see.

It's a place to visit if you love historical places and visiting the graves of the many people listed on the map plaque located upon entrance of the cemetery, but then there are all the other people buried who are just as interesting because many died before 1776 (before the Declaration of Independence came to be). The map is a little tricky. There were only 3 people that we could find. They need a better map or someone needs to create a paper map leading us to the right grave and sell it in the tourist shops. Why hasn't anyone thought of this? It was a hot day. If it hadn't been a hot day I would have stayed there all day.

Just renovated this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. It's a definite must see if you're going to Salem. Come at night for a full effect, its monitored and lit up for your safety

If you are interested in cemeteries, history, or the witch trials this is a great free place to visit. The graves are well maintained in this small cemetery. Many of the old headstones are still legible, and they do have maps to make it easy to find anything you might be looking for. Near the street on the side of the cemetery they also have a memorial to the victims of the witch trails with all names carved onto stones. They have guided tours here if you want to learn more.

This is a must-stop if you are in Salem. The cemetery is one of the oldest in the country, dating back from the 1600s/1700s. When we went, the cemetery itself was closed for renovation, but you are able to walk around the perimeter and get a feel for the historic nature and solitude. I would have liked more time to explore in depth!

Visited the Burying Point Cemetery with my family in December 2018, and we found it to be a interesting place to visit. When we visiting Salem, we wanted to see all things witch and witch trials. If you are visit Salem for the same reason, make sure this place is on our list. Next to the cemetery is the Witch Trials Memorial. Both are free to explore and take photos. The cemetery is small, and it's my understanding that many if not all of those killed during the witch trials were buried in this cemetery. This place is worth a visit.

Steeped in history! Beautiful, historic cemetery with headstones dating back to at least the seventeenth century. Scores of well-known "Salemites" are buried here. Most of the really old headstones are very unusual and many are still in reasonably good condition, with the names still visible. Here's a little piece of trivia for you- many of author Nathaniel Hawthorne's ancestors are buried here, although he was apparently quite ashamed of some of them because of their participation in the infamous Salem Witch Trials! Do not forget to take a lot of pics! A definite must-see stop on anyone's trip to Salem! I knew my vacation to Salem wouldn't have been complete without a quick stop here.

very special cemetery! definitely recommend stopping by and walking through it if in Salem. great vibes and aesthetic and history & location!

Recently I had a friend ask me if money/pay didn't matter and I could do or be anything, what would I choose? The answer is simple: Carnival Dancer by day, mortician by night! Morbid to some but I can't help it, I'm so intrigued by death! On a recent work trip to Salem, I thought it was cool that we were staying near this graveyard. I like to walk through cities when I travel and "feel" the history. This cemetery is the oldest burying cemetery in Salem. Here lies a Mayflower pilgrim (the Mayflower people!) and an ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne...among others. Some of the tombstones are so old you can barely make out the inscription. When you can make any out, it's kinda neat to see some dates as far back as the 16 or 1700s. I wouldn't come here for a family picnic or if you're planning to propose to your boo, but it makes for a different little historical stroll while in Salem.

A must do if you're in Salem and you're here to see sites related to the Witch Trials or Salem History. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is located adjacent to this cemetery and as the lady working in the visitor center at the House of the Seven Gables put it: "the Witch Trials Memorial provides a place to lay the victims of the Witch Trials to rest since we don't know where most of their bodies actually are." Also, Judge John Hathorne is buried here who is arguably the most notorious of the Witch Trials judges. There is also a Mayflower passenger named Richard More buried here which shows how old this cemetery is considering that the Mayflower Pilgrims were some of the first Europeans to settle in North America. In addition to very old and famous graves the tree known as the "Mother Tree" sits in this cemetery. The Mother Tree is a very old tree that is known to have witnessed the Witch Trials and many trees in Salem are descended from this tree. There is also a tree in the back of the cemetery that has been struck many times by lightning. The great thing about this cemetery is that it has a bronze map at the entrance that shows where the famous graves are. TIPS: -If you enter off Charter Street the Mother Tree is the giant tree off to your right about halfway back into the cemetery. -The famous lightning tree is in the back left of the cemetery when entering from Charter Street. You'll know its the right tree by looking at the back of it. (The back of the tree is all shredded and gnarled from being hit by lightning so many times.) -The famous Judge John Hathorne's stone is marked as Colonel John Hathorne. His grandson is buried right next to him and has the same name so make sure you're looking at the right stone. -Salem Cemeteries close at dusk and apparently you can get prosecuted for entering after dark so don't do it.

We walked through late at night. It's amazing to see all these preserved graves, yet sad to think of all those who have passed on. Kind of spooky to walk through at night

A bit of history first. The Burying Point is the oldest cemetery in Salem. It was established in 1637. It is the 2nd oldest in America. There are many old, interesting gravestones with unique carvings. One of the most famous people buried in the cemetery is Justice John Hathorne, the great-great grandfather of writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. John Hathorne was a judge during the witch trials, and he had a bad reputation. Nathaniel Hawthorne was so ashamed of his ancestor's role in the trials that he added a "w" in his name to make it different. This cemetery is 373 years old. The tombstones are really old. Some of them you can barely read. Some of the tombstones are being restored. I actually like the old crumbling ones. I feel there is more of a story there. I found out a while ago that I am a coimetrophiliac, That is someone who like to visit cemeteries to see the various tombstones, etc. Who knew there was a word for it. I just thought I was weird that way. And as far as cemeteries go, this one is worth the visit.

It's a lovely small cemetery. I really enjoyed wandering around and reading the headstones.

Super spooky but awesome if you love history! The headstones and tombs look like something from a Halloween store, they almost don't look real. This is a must stop. It's nice that they only let so many people in too so it isn't so crowded, because some people are terrible. We heard stories that people destroyed some headstones, which was very disheartening. This is a must stop though!

Hubby and I just love roaming through old cemeteries and this one didn't disappoint. It contains the graves of many prominent figures throughout Salem's history. We heard many stories of paranormal activity but unfortunately we didn't experience any.

I know it may be weird to visit a cemetery but when you are in Salem I guess this can be classified as a witchy thing to do. The headstones are interesting and one can find relatives of Nathaniel Hawthorne buried here, well at least the headstones. A line does form but it is free and it goes by rapidly. I would definitely recommend a stroll if you are nearby.

Take a walk through a cemetery where many of the people who lost their lives during the Salem Witch Trials hysteria were buried (including some of the perpetrators).

A walk through time. Was very interesting to see the head stones from 1600-1800's. Included a person that sailed on Mayflower and a judge from the witch trials. Such history. Wow.

It was really cool getting to visit this cemetery for the historic value alone. The tombstones are original from the 1600's. If you are interested in the history of the witch trials, you will find that some of the people involved are buried right there. It is easy to access and not very big at all, so it is easy to walk around and explore all the old headstones. Over in the Wax museum and gift shop they have a place you can do a tombstone rubbing, (they provide the paper) so you don't do it on the ones that are in the cemetery, possibly damaging them. If you take one of the many walking tours offered in Salem, pick one that goes through here, they will tell you the history and back stories that goes with it, when you standing there while they explain it, it makes more sense than if you read it. Trust me. The guides really make things come alive when they tell the stories, well, that might not be a good thing when inside the cemetery.

Somber place to visit but part of American history. Nice place to come and sit to memorialize those who lost their lives, the victims.

This is right next to the Witch Trials Memorial. It is a beautiful older cemetery. I like that in the beginning it shows you where some of the important graves are, but I would like to see maybe a marker next to the graves to actually show where the important graves are. With the headstones being slightly worn from so many years it is hard to tell which one you are trying to find. But it is a beautiful spot, quiet an serene. Lovely!

This is a beautiful place. You should visit. There's a tremendous amount of history here, way more than what I could suss out twelve or so years ago, during my first visit, or two weeks ago, on my second. In the years between visits one and two, anytime anyone mentioned Salem, I thought immediately of Old Burying Point Cemetery. On my first visit, it was grey and cloudy out, and I remember walking through the quiet cemetery in early fall at mid-day, marveling at the lives remembered from years past with painstakingly hand carved headstones. If your visit to Salem centers around a live stage show about witches, or a wax museum, you may feel underwhelmed by this place... but if you like real history, if you're fascinated by how people used to live, if you sometimes feel like the dead are with us always, you'll love Old Burying Point.

well maintained cemetery that is very beautiful. I'm amazed some of the grave stones are still able to be clearly read.

I find the idea of reviewing a cemetery rather funny ! What can you say? Well this is rather nice historic cemetery in downtown Salem with some interesting gravestones.You're real close to the Peabody -Essex museum . It is free.

I went to Salem last fall and was amazed at how much history is there. We visited all the major attractions, The Salem Witch Musuem, The Wax Museum, The House of Seven Gables, etc, plus we also went to a live show where the trials were enacted with period costumes, and a walking tour at night which was kind of boring..it is more historical than anything. There is a haunted house near the cemetery that was a waste of money. There is a better one on the main strip where all the stores are. I got a great picture sitting on the "Bewitched" statue of Elizabeth Montgomery. One of my favorite attractions was the Burying Point Cemetery and I fell in love with the trees there. We stayed at a hotel just outside of Salem, in Peabody, I believe and it was just a short drive to everything and the price was right. We went during the week which I wouldn't recommend. If you are looking to see costumed people walking around, and picture opportunities with the different gargoyles, witches, etc then I definitely recommend going on the weekends and closer to Halloween. I was surprised at how early everything closed down but people do come out at night for the walking tours. If you are looking for short lines and not much hustle and bustle and don't care about seeing the people dressed up walking around, then I definitely recommend to go during the week.