Oldest Burying Ground In Halifax

The Old Burying Ground Foundation
1749 - 1844

This land was set aside as a common burial ground outside the stockade of the new fortified town of Halifax.
First grave dug June 21, 1749
Granted to St. Paul’s Church July 17, 1793
Closed to burials August 18, 1844
Welsford-Parker Monument dedicated July 17, 1860

The Old Burying Ground, which contains more than 1200 head and foot stones, constitutes a unique concentration of gravestone art.  A rich variety in these old stones.  The winged skulls and the winged heads, or soul effigies, are exceptional.  Used by all denominations, the Old Burying Grounds served the city of Halifax from 1860s, it was restored as a park and outdoor museum in 1990-1991.  It bears silent witness to the complex cultural traditions of early British North America.

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada ~ Government of Canada

In this common burial ground lie many of the first citizens of Halifax, their descendants, and men of the British Army and the Royal Navy who were stationed here.  First opened in 1749, the year Halifax was founded, it was used until 1844.  During that period, over 12,000 men, women and children were buried here; fewer than 10% of their graves are marked.

The graveyard was granted to St. Paul’s in 1793 and the church has maintained it ever since.  Unfortunately, natural elements and vandalism took their toll and by the mid 1980s the site required extensive work.  Public and private funds were sought by the Old Burying Ground Foundation.  A complete record was made of the site (1984), a landscape plan implemented and tilted stones reset (1990-91).

The Old Burying Ground Foundation