Old Hill Burying Ground

The Powder House in the Old Hill Burying Ground is going to be restored and repaired this fall. There was a small gathering on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 1:30 at 141 Keyes Road to discuss this event. Marion Wheeler was on hand to talk about the history of the gun powder industry in Concord in the1800's. Many other participants also provided information regarding this subject. On the hillside overlooking Concord’s Monument Square is the oldest of the three cemeteries, the Old Hill Burying Ground. With nearly 500 graves, the earliest existing stone is dated 1677. Old Hill was the original burying ground for Concord residents after securing their settlement in 1635. The entrance is from Monument Square through the gate between St. Bernard’s Church and the "brick-end" house. This site, on a prominent glacial esker, was adjacent to the original location of the First Parish Church. It was on land that could not be farmed, and because of its height, it was the first area to thaw in the spring. This thawing allowed for early burial of those who died during the winter and waited silently for a place in the warm earth.