Guilford’s Historic Cemeteries
Soon after Guilford’s settlement in 1639, the Town Green became the fledgling community’s burial grounds. Because the Green was also used for other purposes, including militia training and grazing livestock, use of the grounds as a cemetery was eventually deemed inappropriate. In the early 19th century, graves were moved from the Green to two new cemeteries in other parts of town. As Guilford’s population grew in the years that followed, other cemeteries were established including small, private family cemeteries.
Today, Guilford’s cemeteries offer a quiet retreat for visitors to stop at the grave sites of some of Guilford’s notable citizens and to contemplate the stories of their lives.
New information on those laid to rest in Guilford’s cemeteries is continually coming to light through the ongoing research of historians and genealogists. Following are locations of Guilford’s cemeteries and stories of some of those laid to rest in these cemeteries.
When visiting a cemetery, please keep the following in mind:
- A cemetery is a place for families to mourn and visit their loved ones. Be respectful of those around you.
- Do not to leave any trash.
- Do not disturb any memorials (such as flowers, coins, photos or other mementos).
- Do not take any rubbings of headstones – this can seriously damage old stones.
- Do not make any unauthorized repairs to headstones. Repairs require specialized materials and expertise.
- If the cemetery’s open hours are posted, visit only during these hours.