Considering the passage of time at Market St Cemetery. It stands as a testament to Brighton’s early days. This burying ground offers a glimpse into the lives of the area’s original settlers.
Market St Cemetery’s origins trace back to 1764. At that time, the Allston/Brighton area was under the control of Watertown and later Cambridge. Residents of “Little Cambridge” found themselves far from their church in Harvard Square.
In 1744, a meetinghouse was built near the present-day site of Market St Cemetery. It served as an extension of the First Parish Church in Cambridge. The local population sought independent status for their church. The General Court approved this proposal in 1779.
Before the establishment of the meetinghouse, interments took place at the original church in Harvard Square. In 1764, Nathaniel Sparhawke donated land for a burial site. Thus, Market St Cemetery was born.
The Third Church of Cambridge used Market St Cemetery until 1807. Brighton then became a separate town. The cemetery served as the town’s primary burying ground. This lasted until the establishment of Evergreen Cemetery in the 1850s. Burials at Market Street Cemetery ceased in 1872.
Market St Cemetery holds the graves of many original settlers of Little Cambridge. Notably, it features gravestones carved by Daniel Hastings. He was a prominent eighteenth-century stone cutter.
Today, Boston’s Cemetery Division administers Market St Cemetery. It is located on Market Street, between Sparkhawk and Henshaw Streets, in Brighton Center.
Visiting Market St Cemetery provides a tangible connection to Brighton’s past. It allows one to reflect on the lives and legacies of those who shaped the community. The cemetery stands as a reminder of the town’s early history and the individuals who called it home. Take a moment to wander through the grounds. Consider the stories etched in stone. Remember the lives that unfolded in this corner of Boston.