Cove Hill Cemetery
Care of City-owned Cemeteries
Cove Hill Cemetery, sometimes called Lanes Cove, is one of 14 Gloucester city-owned cemeteries. The Gloucester DPW, the City-owned Cemeteries Advisory Committee, and Cemetery Volunteers manage the care and maintenance of these city-owned cemeteries.
For more information on Gloucester’s city-owned cemeteries, please visit Cemeteries Home Page.
History
On December 17, 1717, a burying place in the northern part of Cape Ann, known as Flatstone Cove, was approved by the Town of Gloucester selectmen. A half an acre of land overlooking Ipswich Bay was donated by John Lane, therefore establishing Lane’s Cove Cemetery in 1720.
The cemetery, also known historically as Harvey’s Cemetery or Cove Hill, bears witness to the remains of many of the early settlers of northern Gloucester: the Gott, Haraden, Lane, Langsford, Norwood, Sargent, Saunders, Woodbury, and Young families. These early families built prosperous lives through dairy farming and fishing in Ipswich Bay.
This small, hidden historic cemetery has been beautifully cared for over 25 years through the stewardship of Joyce and Walter McGrath of Lanesville.
Click here for more on the history of Lanesville
Maps
The first recorded burial was Deborah, daughter of John and Dorcas Lane, who died May 9, 1729, at age 27. The last recorded burial in 1901 was 48-year-old Rose R. Griffin, the wife of James and mother of Rose A. Griffin. The mother was buried with their only child, who died in 1880 at age 5. We invite you to wander among the early settlers and American Revolutionary and Civil War Veterans of Cove Hill and appreciate their contributions and sacrifices that helped shape the City of Gloucester.
Click here for the Cove Hill Cemetery map
Self-Guided Tours & Brochures
For the self-guided tour brochure for Cove Hill Cemetery, please visit
Self-guided tour brochure - Cove Hill
If you visit: The cemetery is not handicapped accessible, and the terrain is uneven with a steep grade.
As a participant of the cemetery tour, you agree to waive, release and hold harmless the City of Gloucester from any and all claims, damages, and causes of action arising out of your participation in the cemetery tour given by the City of Gloucester or taken as a self-guided tour.
Photos & Images
See the following images of some of the headstones in the cemetery, and you can also see more on the link here - Findagrave link to Cove Hill Cemetery
Restoration & Preservation
Most of the restoration has been done by Walter McGrath and several other volunteers.
See this Boston Globe article - Guardian Walter McGrath
Social Media Links
For additional genealogical information, search the following the Findagrave URL below.
Findagrave link to Cove Hill Cemetery
Directions to the cemetery
1052R Washington Street, Gloucester, MA
The cemetery is not visible from Washington Street, but there is a sign marking the walkable lane to the cemetery. No driving or parking is allowed on the lane. The cemetery is approximately 350 feet from Washington Street. Parking is available on Washington Street, and municipal transportation is offered: CATA on demand (Mon-Fri) or the regular CATA route to Lanesville.
The cemetery is not handicapped accessible, and the terrain is uneven. “As a participant of the cemetery tour, you agree to waive, release and hold harmless the City of Gloucester from any claims, damages, and causes of action arising out of your participation in the cemetery tour given by the City of Gloucester or taken as a self-guided tour.”
Additional Information
If you are interested in becoming a Cemetery Volunteer, contact us at cemeteriesadvisorycommittee@gmail.com
Tax-deductible donations for the restoration and preservation of Gloucester’s city-owned cemeteries are always appreciated; send your donation to -
Gloucester Historic Burial Ground
Att: Rose LoPiccolo, DPW
9 Dale Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930