Deeply rooted in Charlestown’s history lies St Francis De Sales Cemetery. This cemetery tells a story of faith, struggle and community. It stands behind St Francis de Sales Church. This is no ordinary burial ground. It’s a poignant reminder of Boston’s Irish immigrant past.
St Francis De Sales Cemetery, also known as Bunker Hill Roman Catholic Cemetery, is a place of rest. It’s located in Charlestown, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The last burial took place around 1940. Few burials have a marked gravestone.
In the early 19th century Boston was growing. The Catholic population was also on the rise. Bishop Benedict Fenwick purchased three acres of land in 1830. He wanted to create a Catholic burial ground. St. Augustine’s in Boston was nearly full.
However, Charlestown’s Protestant leaders opposed this plan. They passed regulations in 1832. These rules required written permission from selectmen for any burials. Bishop Fenwick defied this. He ordered the burial of two children without permission. This act of defiance led to a lawsuit. The Massachusetts Supreme Court eventually ruled in Fenwick’s favor in 1834.
St Francis De Sales Cemetery became a haven. It was a final resting place for many Irish immigrants. They were fleeing the Great Famine. Thousands of Irish, including many children, found their way to Boston. Sadly, many didn’t survive long after arriving.
Records show at least 41 Irish children died in Charlestown. They succumbed to diseases like cholera and typhus. Hundreds of deaths went unreported. Desperate parents sometimes left their children’s bodies at the cemetery entrance. They hoped the sexton would bury them. This heartbreaking practice continued until the Civil War.
Today, St Francis De Sales Cemetery serves as a memorial. It’s dedicated to the sacrifices of Irish immigrants. In September 2009, a Celtic Cross was erected at the entrance. It honors the children of the famine. The inscription reads: “Dedicated to the sacrifice and courage of the children of the famine, who perished on the very threshold of the dream. May God grant them life eternal.”
The cemetery is small. A vacant lot near Bunker Hill Street is landscaped as a meditation park. Another vacant lot on Grant Court provides side access. Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden is the guardian of the records. They also take care of the grounds. Researchers are still working to identify all those buried here.
As you stand here at St Francis De Sales Cemetery remember its history. It embodies the struggles and triumphs of Boston’s Irish community.