Cole's Hill, Historic cemetery and National Historic Landmark in Plymouth, United States
Cole's Hill is a tree-covered rise overlooking Plymouth Bay with granite steps, walking paths, and open grassy areas with low shrubs. The site sits near the waterfront and provides a straightforward walk to the summit with informational markers along the way.
The hill served as the burial ground for Mayflower Pilgrims during the harsh winter of 1620-1621, when roughly half the original settlers died. These burials marked the first resting place of the early European community in this location.
A granite sarcophagus holds remains of early settlers, displayed alongside a statue of Wampanoag leader Massasoit. The figure represents a pivotal encounter between the newcomers and the indigenous people who were already here.
The climb uses a wide granite staircase that starts directly from the street and needs no special skills to navigate. The paths are paved and well-kept, making a comfortable visit possible in most seasons.
A storm in the 1700s washed human remains out from the hillside, revealing the scale of burials at the site for the first time. This natural event helped historians understand the true extent of what happened during those early years.
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