Copp's Hill Burying Ground

Copp's Hill Burying Ground is a cemetery on a hillside in Boston's North End, stretching along Hull Street and Snowhill Road. The graves sit on steep and level sections, with many headstones carved from slate or granite showing faded inscriptions and winged skulls.

The cemetery was established in 1659 as the city's second burial ground and served British troops as an artillery position during the Revolution. Cannonballs flew from this hilltop toward Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775.

The cemetery takes its name from William Copp, a cobbler and early settler whose family owned land on the hilltop. Visitors notice the divided history of the grounds, where wealthy merchants rest alongside free Black residents who witnessed the end of slavery in Massachusetts.

The main entrance is at 45 Hull Street and opens daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, with free access for visitors. Paths are uneven and climb steeply in places, so sturdy footwear helps when walking the grounds.

Captain Daniel Malcolm's headstone bears bullet holes from British soldiers who used the monuments as shooting targets during their occupation. His grave was chosen deliberately, as Malcolm was known during his lifetime as a smuggler and rebel against the Crown.

Location: Boston

Inception: 1659

Part of: Freedom Trail

GPS coordinates: 42.36722,-71.05639

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29