Forgotten souls whisper beneath our feet here at South End South Burying Ground. This seemingly quiet green space holds a multitude of untold stories. It is a poignant reminder of Boston’s past.
The South End South Burying Ground emerged from necessity in 1810. Boston’s downtown cemeteries were full. The city needed a new place for its deceased. This became Boston’s first working-class cemetery. It was a place for those who could not afford elaborate memorials.
Imagine this space long ago. The narrow strip of marshland known as Roxbury Neck connected Boston to the mainland. The gallows stood nearby. This led to a myth about pirates buried here. However, most interred here were ordinary people.
It is estimated that over 10000 individuals rest in South End South Burying Ground. A staggering 99 percent of burials are unmarked. Only 11 headstones remain. The lack of markers adds to the site’s mysterious aura.
In the 1800s, a tomb cost around $220. The average male salary was $325. Burial was attainable for South End residents. Many working-class individuals and paupers were buried here. There was even a section for infants. Infant mortality was much higher then.
Samuel Hawes is one notable person buried here. He was the superintendent of the city’s cemeteries. He believed in this burial ground so much. He chose to rest here with the masses.
Construction projects impacted the South End South Burying Ground. A piano factory and the St. James Hotel bought land. They were supposed to move the bodies. Eyewitnesses reported coffins unearthed during construction. Bones and coffins were carted away. Some say they were reburied. Others fear they were dumped in Boston Harbor.
The New England Conservatory later bought more land. They built upon the remains. The bodies were moved to Deer Island in 1884. Apartments and condos now occupy the northern side of the grounds.
By the 1960s, the site fell into disrepair. Graffiti, overgrown plants and broken tombs were everywhere. Restoration efforts in the 1980s led to improvements.
The last burial took place in 1866.
Today, the South End South Burying Ground is a green oasis. It is surrounded by the bustling city. Project manager Kelly Thomas said that standing here feels surreal. The stories of those who lived before linger. It is a place where one feels an alternate reality.
Take a moment. Consider the lives of those buried here at the South End South Burying Ground. Reflect on the untold stories beneath your feet. This space is a testament to Boston’s history. It is a reminder of the lives of ordinary people.