Granary Burying Ground

In downtown Boston, it’s a famous historic cemetery and is the third oldest burial ground in the city that is visited by many tourists each year. A lot of victims of the Boston Massacre are buried here. The famous patriots Paul Revere and James Otis are also buried here. In addition to that, the three signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here including Sam Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. It is also a resting ground for Benjamin Franklin's parents. It’s a must-see place with significant ties to Revolutionary Leaders. 

The headstones are carved with hands and are a work of art. Each gravestone has its own unique artistry. When you enter this Burial Ground, you will notice the magnificent Egyptian Revival gates designed by Isaiah Rogers who also played a role in designing four burglar-proof vaults for the U.S. treasury Building. 

The largest monument on the Ground is the Franklin Monument, where the parents and siblings of Ben Franklin reside. Some people think that it’s the grave of Benjamin Franklin, but he is actually buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. He was born in Boston but left the city at the age of 17 for a fresh start in Philadelphia, PA.

Next to this, take a left and you’ll find a bolder stone which is the headstone of James Otis. James Otis was a truly passionate patriot and a lawyer. Next, you can see the monument of John Hancock and it is also quite huge. You cannot simply miss this. He was the richest man in Boston and also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was also the first elected governor of the commonwealth and served as a president of the Second Continental Congress. He helped fund the American Revolution with his riches. 

Follow along, and you will find the grave of Paul Revere. It is also directly behind the Franklin Monument, so you won’t miss it. He was appointed coroner for Suffolk County and was a bellmaker and a silversmith. 

You will find another signer of the Declaration of Independence by continuing along the loop; Robert Treat Paine. He was a graduate of Harvard just like Samuel and John but was less known. Next, you will find the grave of Samuel Adams whose headstone looks just like James Otis. He spent most of his life in poverty, unlike John Hancock. He was a founding member of the Sons of Liberty and was a fiery and charismatic speaker who stirred dissent. He also wrote many petitions against the British Crown. At the age of 73, he took the role of Office Governor after Hancock’s passing and died in 1793.

The cemetery gets quite busy during the daytime, so if you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s best to visit this place early or during low seasons. To get more details about the burial sites, it’s better to book a tour where a guide can explain everything properly. 

- Granary Burying Ground has over 2300 grave markers and is one of the third largest cemeteries in Boston.

- The historic burying ground is named for the 12,000-bushel grain storage building nearby, presently occupied by Park Street Church.

- One of the most popular motifs of the cemetery is the “Soul Effigy” which represents the soul drifting to heaven after death. 

- Benjamin Franklin’s parents are buried in the cemetery. 

- Graves of the Declaration of Independence signers are in Granary Burying Ground including Sam Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine.

- Peter Faneuil who donated Faneuil Hall to Boston and was a notable figure is also buried in Granary Burying Ground. 

- Paul Revere, a lawyer and a patriot’s grave-marker is also in this burial Ground.

- Another notable figure, James Otis is buried in this cemetery. 

- It will take you around 30-40 minutes to explore the whole place as it is quite small.

- Features a magnificent Egyptian Revival gate designed by Isaiah Rogers.

Each gravestone is carved beautifully and is unique in its own way. 

Puritan Churches did not believe in imagery, so the people of Boston expressed artistry with each tombstone uniquely. 

When you’re done exploring, go into Beantown Pub which is across Tremont Street, order a Samuel Adams Beer and enjoy.