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Town of Bradford, Maine
345 East Road Bradford Maine 04410
Williams Cemetery (Williams Road)
Bradford’s Largest and Most Active Resting Place
Williams Cemetery is Bradford’s largest and most active burial ground, located peacefully along Williams Road. With nearly 900 memorials recorded, this cemetery has been serving the town’s families for generations. Established in the early 1800s, it reflects the town's growing population and need for a central resting place. The grounds are well-kept, accessible, and dotted with both historic headstones and modern markers, offering a peaceful setting for remembrance. Recent burials continue to take place here, showing its ongoing role in the life of the community. With its gentle slopes and open space, Williams Cemetery stands as a cornerstone of Bradford’s heritage.
Trask Cemetery (Main Road / Route 221)
A Quiet Tribute to Early Settlers and Civil War Veterans
Trask Cemetery sits quietly along Route 221, partially hidden by trees but marked with a small, distinct sign that speaks to its familial roots. This cemetery holds just over 70 memorials and dates back to the early-to-mid 1800s. It's likely named after one of the original Trask families that settled in Bradford, and it includes the graves of early residents as well as veterans of the Civil War, such as Pvt. John Fletcher of the 31st Maine Infantry. Though smaller than Williams Cemetery, Trask offers a rich sense of local history and is often decorated with American flags in honor of those who served.
Pond Cemetery (Pond Road)
A Peaceful Family Burial Ground Along Pond Road
Pond Cemetery, located along the quiet and rural Pond Road, is a modest and peaceful burial site that captures the spirit of small-town Maine. Often referred to as Pond Road Cemetery, it is likely to have originated in the 19th century, when families who lived closer to the pond area needed a local place for burials. The plots are humble and intimate, surrounded by the sounds of nature, and represent generations of Bradford residents. Though not as expansive as some others, Pond Cemetery offers a uniquely serene resting place tied closely to the land and its people.
Mills Cemetery (Station Road)
Historic Roots and Rural Beauty on Station Road
Nestled off Station Road, Mills Cemetery is a medium-sized cemetery framed by trees and country road quiet. It is named after the Mills family, believed to be among Bradford’s early settlers in the area. The cemetery includes burials from the 1800s through present-day, with gravestones that range from simple fieldstones to more ornate monuments. Visitors to Mills Cemetery will find a clean and inviting landscape, maintained with care by the town, and a subtle reminder of the rural roots and strong family ties that have shaped Bradford.
Hillside Cemetery (Main Road)
Scenic Slopes and Stories from North Bradford
Located along the Main Road, Hillside Cemetery—also referred to as North Bradford Cemetery—is known for its scenic layout and elevated view of the surrounding countryside. With burial records dating back to the mid-19th century, Hillside serves as a place of rest for some of the earliest settlers of northern Bradford. The cemetery is maintained with regular care, and many gravestones mark the resting places of Civil War-era residents. The gentle slope of the land, combined with its visible presence along the road, makes Hillside both picturesque and historically important.
Smith Cemetery (Middle Road)
A Humble Legacy of the Smith Family and Beyond
Smith Cemetery is a small, family-oriented burial ground located on Middle Road. As the name suggests, it likely began as a private cemetery for the Smith family and eventually expanded to include other local residents. Tucked slightly off the main path, the cemetery has a quiet, rural charm, with a modest number of graves and minimal traffic. Its age suggests it was active during the 1800s and early 1900s, making it one of the more intimate and historically rich burial sites in town. Overgrown edges and weathered stones add to the timeless atmosphere of this peaceful place.
Corner Cemetery (Main Road)
At the Crossroads of History and Tradition
Corner Cemetery, also known locally as Bradford Corner Cemetery, is situated near a junction along Main Road and reflects the simplicity and dignity of a traditional New England burial site. Though smaller in scale, it contains a meaningful mix of 19th- and 20th-century graves, representing various families who lived near the center of town. The location at a crossroad may have made it a practical and symbolic site for early burials. Like many of Bradford’s cemeteries, it offers a window into the past and serves as a tribute to the town’s early generations.
FAQs
Discover answers to common questions about the cemeteries in Bradford, Maine.
What are the hours?
Bradford's cemeteries are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds. Please respect the peaceful environment.
Are there guided tours?
Currently, we do not offer guided tours. However, self-guided tours are encouraged. Maps are available at the entrance.
Can I hold events?
Events are allowed with prior approval. Please contact the cemetery office for details. We aim to accommodate respectful gatherings.
What is the history?
Bradford's cemeteries have a rich history dating back to the 1800s. They reflect the community's heritage and notable figures. Explore the stories behind the headstones.
How can I help?
Volunteers are always welcome to assist with maintenance and preservation. Your support helps keep the cemeteries beautiful. Contact us for volunteer opportunities.