Point of Graves

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 Marke

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