Point of Graves

Status:

The City is currently working on a project to replace the wall surrounding the Point of Graves Burial Ground after the Peirce Island Road/Mechanic Street intersection corner was damaged by a vehicle collision. Details of the historical design can be found in the 95% plan set presented to the Cemetery Committee at their August 6, 2026 meeting.  More information at Point of Graves Wall Replacement Project | City of Portsmouth.

Background:

The City's oldest burying ground, established in 1671 on land deeded to the town by Capt. John Pickering. Located on Mechanic Street next to the Prescott Park seasonal garden and overlooking the Piscataqua River. No gravestones survived previous to 1682 because Capt. Pickering's cattle were allowed to continue grazing among the gravestones after the burying ground was established.

The Burial Ground contains some of the finest examples of early gravestone artistry by many Massachusetts sculptors including Bostonians William Mumford, a Quaker; Nathaniel Emmes; John Homer; and the carver known only by his initials “JN” (possibly the silversmith John Noyes). Other carvers include brothers Caleb and Nathaniel Lamson and possibly their father and mentor, Joseph, of Charlestown; James Foster of Dorchester; and John Hartshorne and Joseph Mullicken of Haverhill.

Each of these signs, part of the City-wide historic marker program, explain the historical significance of each cemetery:

Point of Graves Left Marker and Right Marker

For specific burial details, visit the Portsmouth Public Library Cemetery Index.