Christ Church Burial Ground

On the corner of 5th and Arch Street, you can find the burial ground of five signers of The Declaration of Independence, including Benjamin Franklin. This burial ground is operated by Christ Church and was established in 1719 after the graveyard next to the church became too full. It is still open to the public today, for a small fee as you can see on this sign.

This sign is located near the front of the burial ground. It asks visitors to please be respectful of the over 4000 people who are buried here. This grave site is nearly 300 years old, which shows how delicate the tombstones really are. Another interesting fact about this burial ground is that a grave digger, John Taylor, who worked here for 50 years, was buried here in 1803.

Benjamin Franklin is the most decorated person buried at Christ Church Burial Ground. He is buried along side his wife and amongst many of his other family members.

Here is Benjamin Franklin’s tomb stone. His descendants requested that an opening be placed in the brick wall surrounding the burial ground so that the public could see Franklin’s gravesite day and night. A metal fence was then installed in front of his grave so this could be possible. Visitors of this site throw pennies on his stone to show their respect and remember his motto of “A penny saved is a penny earned”.

At the end of the metal fence, on the corner of the brick wall next to Franklin's tombstone, this plaque is placed in dedication to Benjamin Franklin. It features quotes from George Washington and other famous people of their time who wanted to pay their respects to one of the most influential men of our nation.

This plaque is also located on the fence by Franklin’s grave. It gives visitors directions to Christ Church, which is the home church to most of the people buried here.

Here is a picture of some of the other grave markers and the brick wall that surrounds the burial ground. As you can see, these markers are very old and weathered. Sarah Knowles' marker is the oldest marker left standing; it was placed into the ground in 1721.