There is no record of its first use as a burial ground. There are six stones bearing dates of the 17th century, the oldest that of Edward Grey (1681). It is known that William Bradford died in 1657 and a monument erected in 1825 bears evidence to that fact. Also that John Howland died in 1672 and his present stone was erected (circa) 1850. It is presumable that there were many burials here prior to these dates, although the first burials were on Cole’s Hill just above the shore. A TRIBUTE IN VERSE FROM PILGRIM PLYMOUTH Oft’ have I stood on Plymouth’s sacred hill That overlooks both harbor and the town; Its first laid street, a Pilgrim mecca still, Steeped in historic precept and renown. Where bay in iridescence greets the eye, Flecked by ocean breeze and white-winged sail. While in the foreground looking toward the sky Are silent emblems of a past travail. Hallowed the ground whereon they humbly dwelt, Where now in honor sleep our reverend sires; Where once in life they oft’ devoutly knelt And asked for guidance only faith inspires. What wealth of legend, yea, what wealth of lore, Abounds along this tranquil Pilgrim shore! The oldest stones in order of dates on the hill are those of: Edward Grey 1681 William Crowe 1683-4 Hannah Clark 1687 Thomas Cushman 1691 Thomas Clark 1697 The children of John and Josiah Cotton 1699 The stone of Nathaniel Thomas 1697 [Illustration: ONE OF MANY OLD STONES ON BURIAL HILL] There is a doubt concerning the last named as the inscription is now illegible, but his death is supposed to have occurred in 1697. Near the northwest entrance through which we entered is the replica of the old Powder House built in 1770 and later demolished. The present structure was a gift of the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Burial Hill was well chosen as the site of the first fort. As it was easily approachable from First Street (now Leyden) and commanded the surrounding territory for some distance in all directions, it served as an excellent defense against attack by Indians. The locations of the fort and watch tower are marked by appropriately inscribed tablets. But a few steps away to the north is the grave of Gov. William Bradford (numbered 32) over which stands a marble shaft erected in 1825, bearing the Latin inscription, the free translation of which is: “What our Fathers with so much difficulty attained, do not basely relinquish.” The inscription on the south side reads: H. I. William Bradford of Austerfield, Yorkshire, England. Was the son of William and Alice Bradford. He was Governor of Plymouth Colony from 1621 to 1633, 1635 to 1637, 1639 to 1643, 1645 to 1657. The inscription on the north side follows: