Manhattan · NYC landmark
First Shearith Israel Cemetery — Chatham Square
55-57 Saint James Place · Manhattan, New York City
A small early Jewish burial ground preserves colonial headstones and the history of a changing Chinatown street plan.
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NYFE Summary
This small plot preserves part of Congregation Shearith Israel’s early burial ground. It was once much larger. The widening of the Bowery in 1855 took away a large section and required the reburial of 256 people.
Early headstones and flat-topped stone tombs remain among the surrounding buildings. Members of the congregation who took part in the American Revolution are buried here. The congregation continues to maintain the cemetery.
NYFE summary from the official history and visitor sources linked below.
Plan a visit
Check the operator’s current opening, admission and access information before travelling. Historic status does not guarantee public access to every interior.
Official visitor information ↗