Christ Church Burial Ground is the final resting place of some of America's most influential founding fathers, but the dead may not rest as peacefully as one might expect in this historic Philadelphia cemetery.
Established in 1719, Christ Church Burial Ground became the final resting place for many revolutionary figures. Benjamin Franklin, the most famous resident, is buried here alongside his wife Deborah. Four other signers of the Declaration of Independence—Dr. Benjamin Rush, Francis Hopkinson, Joseph Hewes, and George Ross—also rest in this sacred ground.
Over the centuries, more than 5,000 people have been interred here, though less than half of the gravestones remain. And according to countless witnesses, including Ghost City Tours guests and guides, many of these souls do not rest peacefully.
The History of Christ Church and Its Burial Ground
Christ Church was founded in 1695, making it one of the oldest churches in Philadelphia and in the American colonies. The current building, with its striking Georgian architecture and towering steeple, was completed in 1754 and was for many years the tallest building in North America.
The church played a central role in colonial and revolutionary Philadelphia. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and many other founding fathers worshipped here. The church's congregation included many of the men and women who shaped American independence.
The burial ground was established in 1719 after the original churchyard reached capacity. As Philadelphia grew, Christ Church needed additional space to bury its deceased parishioners. Over the following centuries, the cemetery became the final resting place for some of the most important figures in American history.
Notable Burials
Benjamin Franklin is undoubtedly the most famous resident of Christ Church Burial Ground. His grave, marked by a simple flat stone, has become a pilgrimage site. A tradition has developed of throwing pennies onto his grave ('a penny saved is a penny earned'), and thousands of coins can often be seen scattered across the marker.
Dr. Benjamin Rush, another signer of the Declaration of Independence, is buried here. Rush was a pioneering physician, social reformer, and educator who helped establish the first free medical clinic in America.
The burial ground holds five Revolutionary War generals, countless Continental Army soldiers, and numerous civic leaders who helped build Philadelphia into one of America's great cities. Over 5,000 remains are buried here, yet today, less than half of the gravestones remain.
The Spirits of Christ Church Burial Ground
Our Ghosts of Philadelphia Tour regularly passes by Christ Church Burial Ground, and the stories our guests share are both fascinating and unsettling. The most commonly reported phenomenon is seeing shadowy figures moving among the headstones after dark.
Shadowy Figures Among the Graves
A couple from Boston on one of our tours reported seeing what appeared to be a man in colonial-era clothing walking slowly through the burial ground. They watched him for several seconds before he seemed to fade into the darkness between two large monuments.
Multiple guests have reported seeing these shadow figures—dark, human-shaped silhouettes that move deliberately among the graves before disappearing. The sightings are most common near the older, less well-maintained graves in the back of the cemetery.
Benjamin Franklin's Spirit
Perhaps most touching is the story of a history teacher visiting from Massachusetts who swears he saw the ghost of Benjamin Franklin himself. During our ghost tour, while standing outside the burial ground's fence, he noticed an elderly man in old-fashioned clothing standing by a grave inside the cemetery, which was closed for the evening.
The figure looked directly at him and smiled—a knowing, amused smile—before vanishing. The teacher, who specialized in revolutionary history, said the figure bore an unmistakable resemblance to Franklin's portraits. He believed Franklin's curious spirit was checking on those who came to pay their respects.
Phantom Whispers
Perhaps most eerie is the recurring report of whispers. Many guests, particularly those who pause quietly near the cemetery fence, report hearing what sounds like multiple voices whispering. The words are never quite clear, but the sensation of voices just beyond comprehension is consistent enough that our guides have come to expect it.
Some describe it as if the spirits are trying to communicate, to tell their stories, to prove they once mattered and shouldn't be forgotten.
Cold Spots and Unexplained Phenomena
Multiple guests have reported sudden drops in temperature while walking past the burial ground, even on warm summer evenings. Some describe feeling as though they're being watched from within the cemetery, particularly near the area where older, less well-maintained graves are located.
A photographer from California captured something unusual during an evening tour. While taking pictures of Benjamin Franklin's grave, her camera picked up what appeared to be a glowing mist hovering over the marker. The mist wasn't visible to the naked eye, only appearing in the photograph.
Visit Christ Church Burial Ground
Christ Church Burial Ground is open to the public during daylight hours with a small admission fee. Evening visits are available as part of our Ghosts of Philadelphia Tour, which provides historical context and shares the cemetery's haunting tales.
The burial ground closes at dusk, but our ghost tour provides exterior views in the evening when paranormal activity is most commonly reported. Photography is permitted, but please be respectful of the sacred nature of the site.
Many gravestones are very old and fragile—please do not touch or lean on them. Paranormal activity is most commonly reported after dark.
Join our Ghosts of Philadelphia Tour to hear the complete stories of the founding fathers who rest here and the spirits that still walk among the graves.
Where founding fathers rest among restless spirits
Benjamin Franklin's grave where his spirit is often seen
