Mount Auburn Cemetery

Mount Auburn Cemetery is a burial ground in Cambridge and Watertown that spreads across several hills and features a mix of old trees, ponds, and grave monuments. Paths lead through the site and link different sections, each with its own feel.

The cemetery opened in 1831 and was the first of its kind in the United States, a model for similar sites across the country. Its concept merged burial with landscape design and so influenced the development of public green spaces.

The grounds serve as both a burial place and a park, drawing walkers and birdwatchers who stroll among the graves. The name refers to Auburn Hill, which rises inside and gives the whole its shape.

The site is open to the public and can be explored on foot or by car, with a network of roads making orientation easier. Online maps help locate specific areas or graves without long searching.

A stone observation tower from the mid-1800s stands at the highest point and offers a wide view over the region. The tower is open to climb and was originally intended as a landmark within the sprawling grounds.

Location: Watertown

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1831

Architects: Alexander Wadsworth

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Address: 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138-5529

Website: https://mountauburn.org

GPS coordinates: 42.37056,-71.14583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:27