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Steps from the Independence Visitor Center, Christ Church Burial Ground is a must-visit during any trip to Philadelphia’s Historic District.
Inside its gates lay the graves of many historical leaders, including five signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as ordinary citizens.
Benjamin Franklin and his wife, Deborah, are buried here, as is the man who dug their graves.
The cemetery is divided into quadrants, and plots are identified with markers where the original inscriptions are gone.
The names of some of the people buried here now grace familiar Philadelphia streets like Bainbridge, Camac and Willing.
Benjamin Franklin and his wife, Deborah, are buried here, as is the man who dug their grave.
Christ Church, located three blocks away, acquired this burial ground “on the outskirts of town” in 1719 after its churchyard cemetery was full. In 1772, the Church built the surrounding brick wall, which was rededicated in 1927.
In 1864, parishioner Edward Clark, concerned about the deterioration of the headstones, created a plot plan and recorded every inscription in existence at that time. Spanning two acres, the grounds feature 1,400 grave markers.
In addition to the Franklins, notable figures buried here include John Dunlap, who printed the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, composer and poet Francis Hopkinson and medical pioneers Dr. Benjamin Rush and Dr. Philip Syng Physick.
After being closed for 25 years, the burial ground was reopened to the public in 2003.
The Franklins’ tombstones are easily the most visited, as evidenced by the many pennies which are thrown onto Benjamin Franklin’s burial site. In addition to being a symbol for good luck, throwing coins is a nod to Franklin’s motto that “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Be sure to bring along a few cents if you plan on making a trip to the grounds.
Christ Church Burial Ground is closed in December, January and February, as well as on select holidays. Visit the Christ Church website for more information, including hours, prices and guided tours.
La Visit Philly Overnight Package — rezève plis pase 190,000 fwa depi 2001 — vini ak pakin otèl gratis (ki vo jiska $100 nan Center City Philadelphia) ak lojman otèl pou yon nuit.
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