Evergreen Cemetery

Opened in 1850, Evergreen Cemetery in Boston whispers stories of a bygone era. Evergreen Cemetery became Brighton’s main burial ground after the older cemetery on Market Street filled up. The town of Brighton, then independent of Boston, envisioned a peaceful final resting place. They purchased a section of Aspinwall Woods in 1848, creating a sprawling 19.66-acre sanctuary. Evergreen Cemetery reflects the popular “rural cemetery” design of the time, drawing inspiration from Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. Imagine winding paths, now paved but originally gravel, meandering through the natural landscape. Roxbury puddingstone outcrops add a unique touch to the cemetery’s charm. This design sought to harmonize nature’s beauty with the solemnity of a burial ground. The cemetery’s history intertwines with that of Brighton itself. When Brighton joined Boston in 1874, Evergreen Cemetery came under the city’s care. Initially, it was managed by the Board of Health, alongside other city cemeteries. Funding was limited in those early years under city management. The cemetery saw a revival in the 1890s. A new gateway was constructed in 1892. More plots were laid out. In 1903, a striking Jacobethan-style office building designed by Boston architect James Mulcahy was added. After the Cemetery Department took over in 1897, Evergreen Cemetery flourished. Improvements were made throughout the grounds. Today, Evergreen Cemetery stands as a testament to Brighton’s past. It’s the final resting place of notable figures. These include Congressman William Wirt Warren and Richard Hamilton Taylor, a Medal of Honor recipient. Horatio Julius Homer, the first African American Boston police officer, also rests here. Evergreen Cemetery offers more than just a glimpse into the past. It’s a serene escape within the city. It’s a place to reflect on history, amidst the beauty of nature. In 2009, Evergreen Cemetery earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its legacy for generations to come.