First Church of Christ and the Ancient Burying Ground 🇺🇸

Step into the rich history of Connecticut at the First Church of Christ and the Ancient Burying Ground, located at the corner of Main and Gold Streets in downtown Hartford. Founded in 1636 by Thomas Hooker after a dispute with Massachusetts Bay Colony Puritan leaders, this is Hartford's oldest church congregation. Today affiliated with the United Church of Christ, the site offers a fascinating look into early American history.

When you visit, you will marvel at the 1807 brick meeting house, the congregation's fourth structure, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Designed by Daniel Wadsworth, the Classical Revival architecture loosely mirrors London's Saint Martin in the Fields, featuring a monumental two-story temple portico with modified Ionic columns, three half-round fanlight windows, and a three-stage tower. Adjacent to the building lies the Ancient Burying Ground.

Formally set apart in 1640, it served as the city's sole cemetery until 1803. As you explore the grounds extending west and north of the church, you can observe a variety of gravestones crafted by different carvers using materials like brownstone, slate, schist, and marble, including surviving tombstones that date as far back as 1648.

What to see at First Church of Christ and the Ancient Burying Ground

• Hartford's oldest church congregation, established in 1636 by Thomas Hooker
• Classical Revival meeting house built in 1807 featuring a three-stage tower
• Historic cemetery dating to 1640 that served as Hartford's only burial site until 1803
• Tombstones dating back to 1648 crafted from brownstone, slate, schist, and marble
• Final resting place of notable figures including Thomas Hooker and several Connecticut governors

Visiting tips

Take time to examine the unique craftsmanship of the grave markers, which feature diverse carving styles and materials like schist, marble, slate, and brownstone.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

First Church of Christ and the Ancient Burying Ground is easy to reach on Hartford’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and Trinity College Chapel, Hartford. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Hartford travel guide.