Community Corner

Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties

Don't drive past a cemetery full of history in the center of Hartford.

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The Ancient Burying Ground in Hartford.
The Ancient Burying Ground in Hartford. (Google Maps )

HARTFORD, CT — The latest trek to a Hidden Gem takes us to Downtown Hartford and a spot one might just whiz past if not being observant.

It's the Ancient Burying Ground at the corner of Main and Gold streets.

According to the The Ancient Burying Ground Association, the area was the primary cemetery in the city from 1640 until the early 1800s. It is owned by the City of Hartford and managed in partnership with the association. An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people from all classes and ethnic backgrounds were laid to rest thee, according to the association.

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The Ancient Burying Ground was originally much larger than its present size, but shrank as the center of Hartford was developed. In 1739, part of a new meetinghouse was built over some graves. When that meetinghouse was replaced with a larger one in 1806, the new structure covered more graves, with the monuments being moved. The meeting house is now Center Church.

Historic records show that the oldest gravestone is believed to be that of Timothy Stanley, who died in 1648.

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The gates on Main Street and Gold Street are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except major holidays and during "inclement weather." Admission is free.

No gravestone rubbings are allowed because of the fragility of the markers.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to Chris.dehnel@patch.com.

Other Gems in this series:

2022

2021 and earlier:

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