Amherst West Cemetery, Historic site and park in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States.
Amherst West Cemetery is a burial ground spanning 4 acres along Triangle Street, featuring hundreds of slate markers carved with intricate designs from different historical periods. The entrance is marked by the Burnham Gates, which display ashlar stone piers topped with pyramidal caps.
The cemetery was founded in 1730 by Hadley voters and remained the only burial ground in the area for 90 years until additional cemeteries opened in 1817. The oldest markers date to 1737 and are still preserved in the southwestern section of the grounds.
The gravestones here tell the stories of residents from different walks of life in the region. The Dickinson family plot, marked by a wrought iron fence, remains visible and reflects the family's importance to the community.
The cemetery is entered through the Burnham Gates located on Triangle Street, which clearly mark the beginning of the grounds. Walking paths throughout the site allow visitors to explore all sections on foot.
The southeastern section contains burials of African Americans from the region's early history. These graves reveal an often-overlooked part of the local community that existed for many generations.
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