The Ancient Burying Ground (ABG) was created in 1640 to bury Hartford’s people. Although Center Church stands nearby, this was a municipal site and anyone could be buried here. The site is situated on the ancestral lands of the Poquonook, Tunxis, Sicaog (Saukiog) and Wangunk people, as well as other tribal nations indigenous to this region. 

At one time thousands were put to rest here, yet development encroached upon the property, reducing it to four acres today. Over 400 stones and markers are still standing, representing Connecticut’s Puritan roots and founding families. Visitors can wander amongst the stones to view extraordinary examples of Puritan art carved by local stonecarvers and their families. Most markers were carved of brownstone quarried in present-day Portland, CT. The styles represent changing religious beliefs in New England, from the stark Puritan “Death’s Heads” to more elaborate carvings and Angels. Later, descendents erected monuments such as Egyptian obelisks to honor their families, especially during the Colonial Revival period of the late 19th century. The epitaphs offer additional insight into the lives of the colonists. 

Africans, African Americans, and Native Americans were part of the Hartford community as early as 1639, yet no stone commemorated their graves. The ABG has a monument to commemorate people of African descent and the Black Governor tradition. Scholarly research has unearthed 506 profiles about “African, African-American and Native-American Burials” from 1640-1815, accessible online. 

The Ancient Burying Ground is on the CT Haunted History Trail. There are gravestones or markers of fourteen men who had connections to witchcraft trials in 17th century Connecticut. Many were involved in the court proceedings as magistrates. Hartford experienced a “witchcraft panic” in the 1660s, enduring 8 trials in less than a year with 3 - 4 executions. Those accused of being a “witch,” mostly women, were executed by Nathaniel Gilbert, whose grave is near the Main Street fence. The colonists would hang those accused, most likely near the Old State House. These stories are shared every October through Guided Tours and programs. 

Today the property is one of many parks owned by the City of Hartford and visitors are welcome. The Ancient Burying Ground Association (ABGA) manages the care of this historic site, including summer landscaping done by apprentices with Knox, Inc. Conservation projects are led using standards from the National Parks Service. Education programs throughout the year include Guided Tours, Cleaning Workshops, and Virtual Lectures. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Connecticut Freedom Trail.