Rumney Marsh Burying Ground

Rumney Marsh Burying Ground is a historic cemetery in Revere that stretches along Butler Street between Elm and Bixby Streets. It holds around 747 memorials, including slate gravestones from various time periods that reflect the growth of the early settlement.

The burial ground was established in 1654 on former Cole Farm land and served as the first cemetery for the communities of Revere, Chelsea, and Winthrop. This location marks the beginning of organized burial practices in this New England region.

The site holds handcrafted gravestones made by Joseph Lamson and remembers families from the early colonial period, including descendants of John Winthrop, governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. The inscriptions and stonework tell stories of the social conditions and beliefs of people from the 1600s.

The cemetery is accessible during afternoon hours on Tuesday through Thursday, with limited parking near the Butler Street entrance. It is best to check exact hours ahead of time and arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Sixteen documented Black individuals rest in the burial ground, with their names and details preserved on plaques along the Northern wall of the grounds. This memorial honors the often-overlooked presence of Black communities in early New England history.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.40778,-71.00583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45