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First Shearith Israel Cemetery

The First Shearith Israel Cemetery, also known as Chatham Square Cemetery, is the oldest surviving Jewish burial ground in New York City and the only remaining 17th-century structure in Manhattan.

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What is the First Shearith Israel Cemetery?

The First Shearith Israel Cemetery, also known as Chatham Square Cemetery, is a small Jewish graveyard located in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Lower Manhattan in New York City.

What is the cemetery's historical significance?

It is the oldest surviving Jewish burial ground in New York City and the oldest extant Jewish cemetery in America. It is also described as the only remaining 17th-century structure in Manhattan.

What are the visiting hours?

Visiting hours are Sunday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, with no one admitted past 3:15 pm.

How can I visit the cemetery?

Public access to the cemetery is by appointment only.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located at 55 St. James Place in the Chinatown neighborhood, the First Shearith Israel Cemetery is a tiny but profoundly significant site. It serves as the oldest extant Jewish cemetery in America and the earliest surviving burial ground for Congregation Shearith Israel, which holds the distinction of being the oldest Jewish congregation in North America. The land for this sacred space was originally purchased in 1682 by Joseph Bueno de Mesquita. This historic site is the only remaining 17th-century structure in the borough of Manhattan. For over a century, the congregation that maintained this ground was the only Jewish congregation in New York City, a status that lasted from 1654 until 1825. The cemetery contains the remains of several hundred people, including veterans of the American Revolutionary War, though the last recorded burial took place in 1833. The graveyard is situated on the east side of St. James Place, positioned between James and Oliver Streets. Its historical importance is formally recognized by the government, as it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Today, the site remains a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustle of the Two Bridges and Chinatown areas.

Visitor tips

  • Note that public access to the cemetery is by appointment only.
  • If you have an appointment, arrive before 3:15 pm, as no one is admitted past that time.
  • Plan your visit between Sunday and Friday, during the listed hours of 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is located in the dense walking districts of Chinatown and Two Bridges.

Nearby context

The cemetery is nestled in the heart of Chinatown and the Two Bridges neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. It sits on Block 279 on the east side of St. James Place, providing a stark, silent contrast to the vibrant commercial energy of the surrounding streets.

Sources

Evidence and links