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What secrets lie beneath the weathered stones of Concord’s oldest cemetery? As you step through the iron gates of Old North Cemetery, nearly three centuries of history whisper their tales. Worn headstones stand guard, protecting the stories of those who shaped Concord, New Hampshire’s capital city. The gentle rustle of leaves and soft sunlight create a peaceful atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore the rich history within these sacred grounds.
Key Takeaways
– Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire, was founded in 1730 and is the city’s oldest burial ground.
– The cemetery holds the graves of notable figures like Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, and other significant local leaders.
– Many early graves have no markers, reflecting the hardships of early settlers.
– The cemetery features unique and mysterious gravestones that tell deeper stories, such as the monument for Willie E. Stewart.
– Nancy, a freed slave, is buried here, highlighting the complex history of race relations in early New England.
– The Minot Enclosure was added in 1860 to expand the cemetery while preserving its historical character.
– Old North Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, emphasizing its national importance.
– The cemetery is still in use today, blending historical and contemporary burials.
– Community involvement and city efforts help preserve the cemetery, offering educational tours and maintaining its grounds.
– Old North Cemetery serves as a living history museum, connecting visitors with the rich past of Concord, New Hampshire.
Establishment and Early Years
Founded in 1730, Old North Cemetery is Concord’s oldest burial ground. For 130 years, it was the only place where the city’s residents were buried, chronicling Concord’s rich history. As you walk among the rows of gravestones, you’ll see the story of Concord’s growth written in stone.
In its early days, the cemetery was simple and practical. Many graves from this time have no markers, showing how hard life was for early settlers. There weren’t many skilled stonecutters or tools back then. So, people often used wooden markers or plain fieldstones as memorials. Over time, these simple markers wore away or disappeared.
Notable Residents
Among the many people buried in Old North Cemetery, one stands out as a national figure. Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, is buried here with his wife Jane and two of their sons. A large monument marks the Pierce family plot, drawing visitors from all over the country to pay their respects. For those seeking a peaceful retreat after exploring the cemetery, Spacious Skies French Pond, a family-friendly campground in nearby Henniker, offers a tranquil setting on the banks of French Pond.
But Pierce isn’t the only famous person buried here. Two of New Hampshire’s governors, David L. Morril and Matthew Harvey, also rest in this cemetery. Their presence shows how important this place is for state political history.
Another important person buried in Old North Cemetery is Lewis Downing, who started the Abbot-Downing Company. Downing’s work had a big impact far beyond Concord. His company made the famous Concord coach, a type of stagecoach that became a symbol of the American West.
These tough stagecoaches were used across America, carrying people and mail through the frontier. Downing’s grave reminds us of Concord’s role in making things that helped America grow. The Concord coach was so strong and reliable that it became the top choice for long trips in the Old West.
Hidden Stories in Stone
As you explore the cemetery, you’ll find gravestones that tell stories beyond just names and dates. One special monument marks the grave of Willie E. Stewart. This sad stone shows a sleeping baby, resting forever on the grave of a young son of a successful businessman.
The Stewart monument is not only beautiful but also mysterious. It makes us wonder: Why did they choose this unique design? What hopes did the parents have for their lost child? These are the kinds of stories that make Old North Cemetery a place to learn about history and think about life.
Unmarked graves, scattered throughout the older parts of the cemetery, tell their own quiet stories. These simple plots, often marked only by dips in the ground, show how hard life was for early settlers. They remind us that not all stories are carved in stone, and that many lives, though not recorded, helped shape Concord’s history.
Nancy’s Tale: From Slavery to Freedom
Among the many stories in Old North Cemetery, few are as moving as Nancy’s. She was a freed slave who found her final resting place here. Born in Boston in 1766, Nancy lived through a time of big changes in American history. Her journey from slave to free person and her later role in the Concord community give us a unique look at race relations in 18th-century New Hampshire.
Nancy’s presence in Old North Cemetery reminds us of the complex issues around slavery and freedom in early New England. Her story shows that the North’s relationship with slavery wasn’t simple. It also highlights how African Americans helped build Concord. When visitors stand at her grave, they can think about the long fight for equality that has shaped our nation.
Evolution and Preservation
As Concord grew, it needed more burial space. In 1860, the Minot Enclosure was added next to the original Old North Cemetery. This addition allowed the cemetery to grow while keeping its historical character.
Recognizing how important the cemetery is to history, Old North Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This shows it’s important not just to Concord, but to the whole country. It also helps make sure that future generations can explore and learn from this outdoor museum of New Hampshire history.
Keeping Old North Cemetery in good shape takes ongoing work from both city officials and community members. The Concord Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Department takes care of the grounds, making sure this historical treasure stays open to visitors.
Community involvement plays a big role in keeping the cemetery’s stories alive. Cemetery Administrator Jill Huckins leads tours that teach people about the lives of those buried here. These tours not only educate but also help modern Concord residents feel connected to the people who lived here before them.
A Living History
Even though it’s old, Old North Cemetery isn’t just a monument to the past. It still accepts new burials, mixing today’s lives with those from centuries ago. This ongoing use keeps the cemetery an active part of Concord’s community, not just a historical site.
The cemetery’s location on North State Street makes it easy for locals and visitors to reach. When you walk among the graves, you’re not just looking at history – you’re becoming part of it. Each visitor adds to the cemetery’s ongoing story, connecting past, present, and future.
There are many chances to learn within the cemetery’s gates. Schools often use the site for history lessons, letting students work directly with primary sources. People researching family history find lots of information here, piecing together family stories from clues left on old stones.
As we end our tour of Old North Cemetery, we’re reminded of how powerful places can be in keeping memories alive. This quiet corner of Concord connects past and present, showing us the lives of those who came before. From presidents to freed slaves, from governors to coach builders, the diverse group of people buried here reflects the rich history of New Hampshire’s capital city.
Old North Cemetery is more than just a place where people are buried; it’s a living record of Concord’s journey through time. As you leave its peaceful grounds, you carry with you not just facts about history, but a deeper understanding of the human stories that have shaped this community. So, what secrets did you uncover beneath the weathered stones? Next time you’re in Concord, take a moment to visit this remarkable site. Walk among the stones, read the names, and listen to the whispers of history that still echo through these hallowed grounds. You might just find yourself connecting with the past in ways you never expected. And after your visit, consider extending your stay at Spacious Skies French Pond, where you can relax and reflect on the rich history you’ve experienced while enjoying the natural beauty of New Hampshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Old North Cemetery established?
A: Old North Cemetery was established in 1730.
Q: Who is the most famous person buried in Old North Cemetery?
A: The most famous person buried in Old North Cemetery is Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States.
Q: What is significant about the Stewart monument?
A: The Stewart monument, featuring a sleeping baby, marks the grave of a young son of a successful businessman and is both beautiful and mysterious.
Q: Who was Nancy, and why is her story important?
A: Nancy was a freed slave buried in Old North Cemetery. Her story highlights the complex issues around slavery and freedom in early New England.
Q: When was Old North Cemetery added to the National Register of Historic Places?
A: Old North Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
Q: How is Old North Cemetery maintained?
A: The Concord Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Department maintains Old North Cemetery, with help from community members and tours led by Cemetery Administrator Jill Huckins.
Q: Can new burials still take place in Old North Cemetery?
A: Yes, Old North Cemetery still accepts new burials, keeping it an active part of Concord’s community.