Eastern Cemetery, Portland

Eastern Cemetery, established in 1668, is the city's oldest historic site and public burial ground, serving as a vital connection to the city’s early English settlement. Covering approximately 5.3 acres, the cemetery holds over 4,000 marked graves and an estimated 3,000 unmarked burials. Its twelve distinct sections reflect the social divisions of early Portland, with dedicated areas for Quakers, Catholics, African Americans, and the poor.

The cemetery is the resting place for many notable figures, including Captain Lemuel Moody, builder of the Portland Observatory, and captains who perished during the War of 1812. Its historic gravestones and monuments showcase evolving attitudes toward death across generations and represent significant examples of colonial funerary art.

The gently rolling landscape features grassy grounds dotted with volunteer trees, offering a tranquil setting overlooking the original town site and Casco Bay. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the harbor, waterfront, and downtown Portland, making the site both a cultural landmark and a peaceful urban retreat.

Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, the cemetery stands as a testament to Portland’s heritage and continues to be cherished as a historic and reflective space in the city.