Old Burying Point Cemetery, Salem

Nestled in the heart of Salem, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, stands as a poignant and timeless testament to the rich tapestry of Salem's past. Established in 1637, it is the oldest cemetery in Salem and a revered stop on the Salem Heritage Trail, offering visitors a serene and historic retreat.

One of the most striking features of Old Burying Point Cemetery is the remarkable variety of headstones that dot its landscape. Here, history is etched in stone, quite literally, as most of the headstones are crafted from slate. Some, however, stand as sandstone, schist, or marble testaments to those laid to rest beneath them.

As one traverses the cemetery, they'll find themselves following dirt paths that meander through the meticulously maintained plots, offering a true sense of the cemetery's historical ambiance. Yet, the most poignant and compelling aspect of Old Burying Point Cemetery lies in what no longer exists. Prior to 1673, wooden grave markers, colloquially known as Coffin Posts or Coffin Rails, marked the burials. Regrettably, the ravages of time have erased these markers from the landscape, leaving only echoes of the past.

In 1673, a significant moment in the cemetery's history occurred with the placement of the oldest existing gravestone - the Cromwell stone. This stone marked the resting place of Doraty Cromwell, who passed away on September 27, 1673, at the age of 67. As the years passed, locals began referring to the cemetery as the "common burying place" in 1669 and later as "ye burying point" in 1679. The latter name was likely inspired by the fact that the cemetery was situated like a point of land, surrounded on two sides by the South River.

Despite popular belief, none of the convicted Salem witches were laid to rest here, as they were denied a Christian burial. The fate of their remains remains shrouded in mystery, with family legends suggesting that some were claimed by their kin and buried on private property.