Stroll with me through time itself as we enter Westerly Cemetery. This historic cemetery whispers tales of West Roxbury’s earliest settlers and brave war veterans. Westerly Cemetery, also known as Westerly Burying Ground, is a place where history and tranquility meet.
Established in 1683, Westerly Cemetery is Boston’s seventh-oldest cemetery. Imagine the lives of those first inhabitants of West Roxbury. They now rest peacefully here. The cemetery expanded in 1832 and again in 1844 to accommodate its growing community. The last burial occurred in 1962 marking the end of an era.
Westerly Cemetery holds the remains of eight American Revolutionary War veterans. Fifteen veterans of the American Civil War also found their final resting place here. These brave souls fought for the ideals that shaped the nation. Their presence reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Notice the unique mound tombs scattered throughout Westerly Cemetery. Unlike larger tombs meant for multiple bodies, these are individual. Westerly Burying Ground has a large collection of funerary art spanning three centuries. One-third of the gravestones date back to the 1700s. Almost half are from the 1800s. Only a few bear dates from the 1900s. These stones are a testament to changing artistic styles and evolving cultural beliefs.
West Roxbury was originally part of the Town of Roxbury. In 1630 both were founded contemporaneously with Boston. The town’s first burial ground was Eliot Burying Ground near Dudley Square. That was a long distance for West Roxbury residents to travel. In 1683 the town selectmen established Westerly Burying Ground. A conflict between rural and urban parts of the town led to West Roxbury’s split from Roxbury in 1851. West Roxbury officially became part of Boston in 1874.
Among those interred at Westerly Cemetery are members of the Draper family. Mary Draper ran a family tavern. She supported Continental Army soldiers during the Revolutionary War. She made clothes and bullets and fed soldiers. In 1904, the Daughters of the American Revolution honored her with a memorial at the West Roxbury Library. Draper Pool and Park are named after her.
Westerly Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This recognition highlights its historical significance and cultural importance. The cemetery stands as a tangible link to the past. It connects us to the lives and stories of those who came before.
Take a moment to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the gravestones. Each marker tells a story. Each inscription offers a glimpse into the lives of those buried here. Westerly Cemetery is more than just a burial ground. It is an outdoor museum. It preserves the legacy of West Roxbury’s early inhabitants.
As we leave Westerly Cemetery let us remember the lessons of the past. Let us honor the memories of those who shaped this community. Their stories live on. They echo through the ages.