Gravesend Cemetery

Gravesend Cemetery is a burial ground and public park in Brooklyn featuring gravestones and monuments dating from the 17th century arranged throughout a landscaped space. The grounds include mature trees and walking paths that wind between the various tombstones and family plots.

The cemetery was founded in 1658 following Thomas Spicer's bequest, which documented his wish for a burial ground. Its establishment coincided with the creation of the second planned English colonial settlement in North America.

The cemetery reflects the diversity of settlers, including Dutch families and various religious communities whose roots run deep here over centuries. The graves tell the story of people who shaped early Brooklyn.

Visiting the cemetery requires prior arrangements with local authorities, as the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation maintains the grounds. Visitors should plan ahead since access may be limited and it is best to contact officials beforehand.

Lady Deborah Moody, the first woman to receive a land patent in the New World, incorporated this cemetery into her innovative village design based on geometric layouts. Her legacy as a pioneer continues to shape the spatial organization of the surrounding area.

Location: Brooklyn

GPS coordinates: 40.59444,-73.97500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06