The Burying Point

Description

Look, I get it – visiting a cemetery might not be everyone’s idea of a fun afternoon, but The Burying Point isn’t your average graveyard. As Salem’s oldest burial ground dating back to 1637, it’s basically an open-air museum of American history. You’ll find yourself walking the same paths as countless generations before you, among weathered headstones that tell stories of Salem’s complex past.

The real draw here? It’s the final resting place of some pretty significant historical figures, including John Hathorne – one of the infamous judges from the Salem Witch Trials who never apologized for his role in the hysteria. And y’know what makes it even more interesting? Victims of those same trials are memorialized right next door at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Talk about historical irony.

Key Features

• Ancient slate headstones featuring incredibly detailed death’s-head carvings and haunting epitaphs
• Graves of notable Salem residents including witch trial judge John Hathorne
• Historic markers providing context about Salem’s maritime history and colonial period
• Beautiful old growth trees that create an appropriately solemn atmosphere
• Adjacent Salem Witch Trials Memorial offering a powerful complement to the burial ground
• Some of the most intricate and well-preserved 17th-century grave art in New England
• Fascinating mixture of Puritan and Georgian-era burial customs and symbolism

Best Time to Visit

I’ve been here during different seasons, and honestly, each brings its own unique atmosphere. Fall is particularly atmospheric – the crisp air and falling leaves create this incredibly moody setting that perfectly matches the historical gravity of the place. Plus, October brings Salem’s famous Halloween celebrations, though fair warning – it gets pretty crowded then.

Spring and summer offer better visibility for reading the headstone inscriptions, and the shade from those mature trees makes even warm days comfortable. Winter has its own stark beauty, but some paths can get slippery, and snow might cover some of the lower headstones.

Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, giving you space to really absorb the history. The lighting during these times also makes for better photos of the intricate stone carvings.

How to Get There

Getting to The Burying Point is pretty straightforward – it’s right in the heart of historic Salem. If you’re already exploring downtown, you’ll probably stumble upon it naturally. It’s walking distance from most of Salem’s major attractions and the train station.

If you’re driving in, there’s public parking nearby, but spaces can be scarce during peak tourist season. I’d recommend using one of the municipal lots and walking – it’s more convenient and gives you a chance to see more of Salem’s historic district anyway.

Tips for Visiting

Based on my multiple visits, I’ve picked up some useful tricks to make your experience better. First off, bring a camera with a good zoom lens – some of the most interesting details are in those weathered carvings, and you’ll want to capture them without getting too close to the stones.

Remember this is still an active memorial site – be respectful. Stay on the paths and don’t lean on or touch the headstones. They’re incredibly fragile after centuries of exposure to the elements.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip – the ground is uneven in places, and those old paths can get slippery when wet. Bringing a small flashlight isn’t a bad idea either, as it can help you read faded inscriptions on cloudy days.

Consider downloading a map or guide beforehand – there’s so much history here that it’s easy to miss significant graves without some guidance. And if you’re into photography, early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for capturing the intricate stone carvings.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: bring some paper and crayons for grave rubbings… just kidding! That’s actually not allowed anymore to protect the stones. But do bring a notepad if you want to jot down any interesting epitaphs or historical notes you find particularly moving.

Remember to take your time here – rushing through would mean missing out on the subtle details and powerful stories this place has to tell. And if you’re visiting during peak season (especially October), try to arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds.

Location

Places to Stay Near The Burying Point

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