Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta, Georgia's oldest and largest cemetery as well as its fourth largest green space (behind Freedom, Piedmont and Grant Parks). Founded as "Atlanta Cemetery" in 1850 on six acres (2.4 hectares) of land southeast of the city, Oakland 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 88 acres (35.6 hectares). Since then, Atlanta has continued to expand, so that Oakland 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.

Historic Oakland Foundation

Since Oakland is not and was never a perpetual care cemetery, maintenance of grave sites was the responsibility of the families of the interred. Of course, time sees the movement of families and the general disconnection with ancestors as generations pass. Because of this, many grave sites have fallen into disrepair from neglect and sometimes vandalism. Therefore, shortly after Oakland was added to the National Register of Historic Places on 1976-04-28, the Historic Oakland Foundation was established. The Foundation has overseen the restoration and upkeep of many grave sites, monuments, mausolea, and buildings that had been affected by the ravages of time. Their activity, which is supported by donations, grants, and special events, continues today as they maintain and restore the cemetery as well as provide guided tours of the grounds.

Related Topics:
National Register of Historic Places - 1976-04-28

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