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Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta

4.7
Cemetery · Historic Site
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Oakland Cemetery is one of the largest cemetery green spaces in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Founded as Atlanta Cemetery in 1850 on six acres (2.4 hectares) of land southeast of the city, it was renamed in 1872 to reflect the large number of oak and magnolia trees growing in the area. By that time, the city had grown and the cemetery had enlarged correspondingly to the current 48 acres (190,000 m2). Since then, Atlanta has continued to expand so that the cemetery is now located in the center of the city. Oakland is an excellent example of a Victorian-style cemetery, and reflects the "garden cemetery" movement started and exemplified by Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts.

The original 6 acres (24,000 m2) of Oakland remains one of the oldest historical plots of land in Atlanta, most of the rest of the city having been burned in 1864. Because of its age and location, the cemetery directly reflects the history and changing culture of the City of Atlanta and the significant events it has seen. Names of Atlanta streets, buildings, parks, subdivisions, and more can be found within the cemetery gates. An estimated 70,000 people are interred at Oakland, and while the last plots were sold in 1884, there are still regular burials today. These are largely conducted on family-owned plots or areas owned by Atlanta (one of the most recent being former mayor Maynard Jackson, whose plot was contributed by the city).
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Oakland Cemetery reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,162 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Find Spectres / Ghosts there , it would be quite scary at 1st to see those Graveyards and I decided to leave automatically !! If you're afraid of Ghosts , oh my Young kids !? 
    Find Spectres / Ghosts there , it would be quite scary at 1st to see those Graveyards and I decided to leave automatically !! If you're afraid of Ghosts , oh my Young kids !?  more »
  • Oakland Cemetery is a beautiful place to stroll through while taking in some local history and natural beauty. I have visited many times while in Atlanta and always enjoy the scenery, including the... 
    Oakland Cemetery is a beautiful place to stroll through while taking in some local history and natural beauty. I have visited many times while in Atlanta and always enjoy the scenery, including the...  more »
  • I really enjoyed walking the cemetery grounds and visiting the gravesites, both of the famous and the not-so-famous. The history that surrounds you - awesome! I would recommend parking in the... 
    I really enjoyed walking the cemetery grounds and visiting the gravesites, both of the famous and the not-so-famous. The history that surrounds you - awesome! I would recommend parking in the...  more »
Google
  • It's a truly beautiful cemetery, as strange as that may sound. There's a huge demonstration of socioeconomic disparity across the grounds. And it's profoundly sad to imagine how many of the people laid to rest in these plots haven't been visited in decades. And some, possibly never. For that reason, events such as Illumine, which help fund Oakland Cemetery, are beneficial on a multitude of levels. Though the annual event has ended, the cemetery is rich with local history. Even a visit in the daytime would be worthwhile.
  • If you love old cemeteries with historical figures and beautiful tombstones and statuary, Oakland does not disappoint! From elaborate family mausoleums, numerous angels to beautiful gardens. My favorite time to visit is in Spring when the Dogwoods, Flowering Cherry and Azalea are in full bloom!
  • This is a old cemetery in the heart of Atlanta. Many parts of this cemetery have plots pre 1900s. It's has an intresting energy as well as some architecture. There are benches around to have a seat and some famous people buried here. You think about if "walls could talk" all the history and stories of the people here, what they would say. There is a free lot near the entrance as well as street parking.
  • The most underrated cultural experience in Atlanta. Perfect on a cool morning, ideally with a K9 friend and an SO, to take a long stroll amongst the beautifully manicured plots. Perfect for the history nerd, the nature obsessed, and the urban hiker. Absolutely fantastic. They also host wonderful events, free to the public, throughout the year. My favorite is the holiday fair where you can bring your dog to meet santa and buy wonderful handmade wreaths for your home.
  • This place is beautiful and amazing. I have been twice and still have not seen everything. Perfect for a walk, wander, meander, coddiwomple, date, picnic, or event.

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