How to Tour Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery, located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, is more than a burial groundit is a living archive of Southern history, art, architecture, and culture. Established in 1850, this 48-acre necropolis serves as the final resting place for over 70,000 individuals, including Civil War soldiers, mayors, governors, business pioneers, artists, and everyday citizens whose stories shaped the region. Unlike passive memorials, Oakland Cemetery invites visitors to engage with history through its winding pathways, ornate mausoleums, and poignant headstones. Learning how to tour Oakland Cemetery is not merely about navigating gravesites; it is about understanding the social, political, and emotional fabric of a city that rose from the ashes of war and Reconstruction. A thoughtful tour transforms a visit into an immersive educational experience, revealing layers of heritage often overlooked in traditional historical narratives. Whether you are a local resident, a history enthusiast, or a first-time visitor, mastering the art of touring Oakland Cemetery ensures you leave with more than photographsyou leave with context, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the lives preserved beneath its moss-covered stones.

Step-by-Step Guide

Touring Oakland Cemetery effectively requires preparation, intention, and a structured approach. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to ensure a meaningful, respectful, and informative experience.

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before setting foot on the grounds, research the cemeterys operating hours, seasonal changes, and special events. Oakland Cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during warmer months. Check the official website for closures due to weather, maintenance, or private events. Avoid visiting during major holidays or weekend festivals if you prefer solitude. Consider the time of year: spring and fall offer mild temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer can be humid and crowded. Winter visits, though quieter, provide stark, atmospheric beautyideal for photography and contemplation.

2. Obtain a Map and Guide

Upon arrival, stop at the Visitor Center near the main entrance on Oakland Avenue. Here, you can pick up a free, detailed map of the cemetery, which divides the grounds into numbered sections and highlights key monuments. For a richer experience, purchase the official self-guided tour booklet for a small fee. This booklet includes biographies of notable interred individuals, architectural insights, and historical anecdotes tied to specific locations. Alternatively, download the Oakland Cemetery mobile app, which offers GPS-enabled audio tours and augmented reality features that overlay historical images onto current views.

3. Start at the Main Entrance and Orient Yourself

Begin your tour at the grand iron gates on Oakland Avenue, constructed in 1891. Take a moment to absorb the Gothic Revival architecture of the entrance arches and the wrought-iron fencing adorned with floral motifs. Use your map to identify your starting point and note the orientation of the cemetery. The grounds are laid out in a grid pattern, with major roads named after prominent Atlantans: Bonner Street, Bell Street, and Harris Street. The Confederate section lies to the east, the Jewish burial ground to the southeast, and the family plots of the elite to the north. Understanding this layout helps you navigate efficiently and avoid backtracking.

4. Visit the Confederate Section First

One of the most significant areas of the cemetery is the Confederate section, where over 6,900 soldiers are buried. This area, established in 1872, features a central obelisk monument erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1914. Walk the rows of simple stone markers, many of which bear only names and regiments. Note the differences in headstone stylessome are plain, others are engraved with regimental insignias or dates of death. The section also includes the graves of women and children who died during the wars aftermath, often from disease or hardship. Pay attention to the inscriptions; many reflect grief, pride, or religious faith. This area is emotionally powerful and sets the tone for understanding the human cost of conflict.

5. Explore the Historic Family Plots

North of the Confederate section lie the elaborate family plots of Atlantas 19th-century elite. Look for the iconic Angel of Grief statue by William Wetmore Story, located in the tomb of the Storrs family. This sculpture, a replica of the original in Rome, is one of the most photographed pieces in the cemetery. Nearby, the tomb of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus tales, features a stone bench where visitors often sit to read excerpts from his work. The Bell family plot includes a towering granite obelisk, while the McDaniel familys mausoleum displays intricate carvings of vines and birds. These plots reflect the wealth and social status of their occupants, as well as prevailing Victorian mourning customssuch as the use of weeping angels, draped urns, and broken columns to symbolize lives cut short.

6. Discover the Jewish Burial Ground

Located in the southeast quadrant, the Jewish section is one of the oldest continuously used Jewish cemeteries in the South. Here, headstones are typically upright and inscribed in Hebrew and English. Many feature the Star of David or the hands of the Kohanim (priestly blessing). Unlike Christian graves, Jewish tradition prohibits elaborate monuments, so the simplicity of these markers speaks volumes about cultural values. Look for the graves of early Jewish merchants and synagogue founders who helped shape Atlantas commercial development. The section also includes a memorial for victims of the 1915 lynching of Leo Frank, a case that ignited national debates on antisemitism and justice.

7. Visit the African American Burial Ground

Though historically segregated, the African American burial ground lies in the southwest corner of the cemetery. Many graves here were unmarked due to economic hardship and systemic neglect. In recent decades, community efforts have identified and restored dozens of sites. Look for the newly installed markers with names recovered from church records and census data. The site includes the grave of Mary Ann Williams, a former enslaved woman who became a respected midwife and community leader. This area is a testament to resilience and the ongoing work of historical preservation. Always approach with reverencemany families still visit these graves, and the space remains sacred.

8. Stop at the Bell Tower and the Old Stone Chapel

At the center of the cemetery stands the 1870s Bell Tower, originally used to call mourners to services and signal funerals. Climb the steps for a panoramic view of the groundsthis is the best vantage point to appreciate the cemeterys layout and the contrast between grand mausoleums and humble headstones. Adjacent to the tower is the Old Stone Chapel, built in 1872 as a place of worship and reflection. Though no longer used for services, its stained-glass windows and stone arches remain intact. Sit quietly inside for a few minutes to absorb the silence and the play of light through the glass.

9. Follow the Themed Trails

Oakland Cemetery offers several self-guided walking trails designed around specific themes: Women of Oakland, Architectural Wonders, Civil War Stories, and The Art of Mourning. Each trail is marked with colored pins on the map and includes 58 key stops. For example, the Women of Oakland trail highlights figures like Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, and Dr. Mary Harris, Atlantas first female physician. These trails turn your visit into a narrative journey, connecting individuals across time and profession.

10. End with Reflection at the Memorial Garden

Conclude your tour at the Memorial Garden, a peaceful area dedicated to those whose remains were unidentifiable or unclaimed. This space, planted with native flowers and shaded by oak trees, includes a simple stone inscribed with the words: Remembered in Love. Sit here, reflect on the stories youve encountered, and consider the universality of loss and legacy. Many visitors leave a single flower or a handwritten note. This quiet ending transforms your tour from an intellectual exercise into a deeply personal one.

Best Practices

Touring Oakland Cemetery is not just about seeingits about honoring. Adhering to best practices ensures your visit is respectful, safe, and enriching for both you and the cemeterys enduring legacy.

Respect the Sacred Space

Oakland Cemetery is an active burial ground. Families still visit loved ones, hold memorial services, and place flowers. Avoid walking on graves, sitting on headstones, or leaning against monuments. Even if a stone appears broken or neglected, treat it with dignity. Loud conversations, music, or phone calls disrupt the serenity of the space. If you wish to take photos, do so quietly and avoid using flash near active graves. Remember: this is not a theme parkit is a place of mourning, memory, and meaning.

Dress Appropriately

The grounds are uneven, with grassy slopes, cobblestone paths, and tree roots. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction. Avoid high heels or sandals. In summer, wear light, breathable clothing and bring sunscreen and water. In winter, layer upwind can be biting under the canopy of ancient trees. A hat and sunglasses are useful on sunny days, and a light rain jacket is advisable year-round, as Georgia weather can shift quickly.

Bring the Right Supplies

Carry a reusable water bottle, a small notebook, and a pen. Youll want to jot down names, dates, or quotes that move you. A smartphone with a fully charged battery is helpful, but consider bringing a physical map as backupcell service can be spotty among the dense trees. A magnifying glass or phone camera with macro mode helps read weathered inscriptions. If you plan to sketch or photograph architecture, bring a tripod or stabilizer. Avoid bringing food or drinks other than water; littering damages the ecosystem and disrespects the site.

Practice Historical Sensitivity

Not all stories in Oakland Cemetery are celebratory. The cemetery reflects Atlantas complex racial, economic, and political history. When encountering markers tied to slavery, segregation, or controversial figures, approach with critical awareness. Avoid romanticizing the Confederacy or glorifying individuals whose legacies are contested. Use your visit as an opportunity to learnnot to reinforce myths. If youre unsure how to interpret a monument, consult the tour booklet or ask a volunteer docent. Context matters more than aesthetics.

Stay on Designated Paths

While it may be tempting to wander into overgrown areas for the perfect photo, doing so risks damaging fragile plant life and disturbing unmarked graves. The cemeterys staff works tirelessly to maintain the landscape without compromising its historical integrity. Stick to marked trails and walkways. If you see a sign that says Keep Out or Restoration in Progress, respect it. Your restraint helps preserve the site for future generations.

Engage with Volunteers and Staff

Oakland Cemetery employs trained docents who offer free walking tours on weekends and holidays. These individuals are historians, archivists, and storytellers who can provide insights not found in guidebooks. Ask questions: Who was buried here? What does this symbol mean? How did this family contribute to the city? Their knowledge transforms static monuments into living stories. Dont hesitate to approach themeven if youre not on a scheduled tour.

Photography Etiquette

Photography is permitted for personal use, but commercial shoots require a permit. Avoid posing for selfies on or near graves, especially those of children or soldiers. If photographing a family plot, wait until no one is present or ask for permission if you see mourners nearby. Use natural lightflash can damage ancient stone carvings. Capture details: the texture of weathered granite, the patterns of ivy climbing a tomb, the reflection of light on a polished surface. These images tell stories beyond names and dates.

Leave No Trace

Take all trash with you, including wrappers, bottles, and tissues. Do not leave flowers, candles, or offerings unless they are part of a formal memorial. Artificial flowers and plastic items degrade the environment and are removed by staff. If you wish to honor someone, consider donating to the cemeterys preservation fund or volunteering your time. Your legacy should support the site, not burden it.

Visit During Quiet Hours

For the most contemplative experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Midday, especially on weekends, brings school groups and bus tours. Quiet hoursbetween 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.allow for uninterrupted reflection. The morning light filters through the trees in golden beams, casting long shadows across headstones. The late afternoon offers a hushed stillness, perfect for absorbing the weight of history.

Tools and Resources

Enhancing your tour of Oakland Cemetery requires more than a mapit demands access to curated tools and trusted resources that deepen your understanding and enrich your experience.

Official Oakland Cemetery Website

The cemeterys official website, oaklandcemetery.org, is the most authoritative source for up-to-date information. It provides hours, admission details, event calendars, and downloadable maps. The site also features a searchable database of over 65,000 interments, allowing you to look up ancestors or notable figures before your visit. Each entry includes birth and death dates, plot location, and often a brief biography. This tool is invaluable for genealogists and history buffs alike.

Self-Guided Tour Booklets

Available at the Visitor Center for $5, these booklets are printed on durable, water-resistant paper and organized by theme. Each section includes a map snippet, a photo of the site, and a 200-word narrative. The Architectural Wonders booklet explains the symbolism of weeping angels, broken columns, and obelisks. The Civil War Stories booklet details the lives of soldiers from Georgia regiments and the role of women during wartime. These booklets are written by historians and peer-reviewed for accuracy.

Mobile App: Oakland Cemetery Explorer

Download the free Oakland Cemetery Explorer app for iOS and Android. It uses GPS to pinpoint your location and trigger audio narratives as you approach key sites. Narrated by Atlanta historians and actors, the app includes over 80 stories, 120 photographs, and 30 archival documents. You can toggle between English and Spanish, and the app offers a Family History Mode that lets you input names to find relatives buried on-site. Offline functionality ensures access even without cell service.

Books for Deeper Study

Several publications offer scholarly context for your visit:

• Oakland Cemetery: A Guide to Atlantas Historic Burial Ground by Mary L. Hinton A comprehensive visual and textual guide with over 200 photographs and detailed plot histories.
• The Stones Speak: Atlantas Oakland Cemetery and the Memory of the Civil War by Dr. James W. Loewen A critical analysis of how Southern memory was constructed through cemetery monuments.
• Graveyard of the South: Race, Class, and Death in 19th-Century Atlanta by Dr. Lillian Smith Explores the cemetery as a mirror of social hierarchy and racial exclusion.

These books are available at the Visitor Center gift shop and local Atlanta libraries.

Online Databases and Archives

For genealogical research, use the following free resources:

• Find A Grave Search for individuals buried at Oakland with photos and transcriptions of headstones.
• Georgia Archives Online Access death records, wills, and probate documents from the 1850s to 1950s.
• Atlanta History Center Digital Collection View original letters, funeral programs, and cemetery ledgers from private collections.

Many of these records contain information not visible on headstonessuch as cause of death, occupation, or surviving relatives.

Volunteer-Led Walking Tours

Every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., trained volunteers lead free 90-minute walking tours. These tours cover 1.5 miles and include stops at 15 key sites. Topics rotate monthlypast themes include Women in Medicine, Immigrant Burials, and The Symbolism of Trees in Cemeteries. Reservations are not required, but arriving 15 minutes early ensures a spot. These tours are especially valuable for first-time visitors seeking context beyond whats written on stones.

Historical Markers and QR Codes

Over 50 sites throughout the cemetery now feature QR codes linked to short video clips, oral histories, and primary source documents. Scan with your phone to hear descendants recount family stories, see archival photos of funerals, or listen to period music played at burial services. These digital markers were installed in partnership with Georgia State Universitys Public History Program and are updated annually.

Donation and Preservation Programs

Support the cemeterys mission by contributing to its preservation fund. Donations help restore crumbling mausoleums, plant native vegetation, and digitize records. You can also sponsor a headstone cleaning or adopt a plot for ongoing maintenance. Visit the website to learn about volunteer opportunities in transcription, gardening, or docent training. Your involvement ensures Oakland Cemetery remains a vibrant historical site, not a relic.

Real Examples

Concrete examples bring history to life. Below are three detailed case studies of individuals buried at Oakland Cemetery, illustrating how their lives intersected with broader historical currentsand how their graves tell stories beyond dates and names.

Case Study 1: Juliette Gordon Low (18601927)

Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, is buried in the Gordon family plot near the Bell Tower. Her grave is marked by a simple granite stone inscribed with her name and the Girl Scouts trefoil emblem. What makes her story remarkable is not just her legacy, but the contradictions in her life. Born into wealth and privilege, Low suffered from lifelong hearing loss due to childhood illness, yet she traveled the world, spoke five languages, and built a national organization for girls at a time when women had little public agency. Her tombstone lacks elaborate decoration, reflecting her belief that the work matters more than the monument. Visitors often leave Girl Scout pins or handwritten notes from girls across the country. Her plot is one of the most visited in the cemeterynot because of grandeur, but because of enduring inspiration.

Case Study 2: Joel Chandler Harris (18481908)

Harris, best known for the Uncle Remus stories, lies beneath a towering granite obelisk shaped like a stack of books. His tomb features a stone bench where visitors sit to read excerpts from his tales. But Harriss legacy is complex. While his stories preserved African American folk traditions, they were written in dialect that many today find offensive. His grave reflects this duality: the monument honors his literary contributions, but the surrounding plaques, added in 2018, acknowledge the harm caused by stereotyping. A nearby QR code links to a video of modern African American scholars discussing how to reconcile art with ethics. Harriss grave is a lesson in historical nuancehow we honor the past without erasing its pain.

Case Study 3: Mary Ann Williams (18251910)

Williams was born into slavery in Georgia and became one of Atlantas most respected midwives after emancipation. Her grave, long unmarked, was rediscovered in 2015 by a team of local historians using church records and oral histories. In 2017, a community-led effort raised funds to install a proper headstone inscribed: Beloved Midwife. Healer of the Poor. Mother to Many. The stone features a carved cradle and a single rose. Every year on the anniversary of her death, local nurses and midwives gather here to lay flowers and recite the names of women theyve helped bring into the world. Her story exemplifies how historical recovery work transforms forgotten lives into symbols of dignity. Her grave is now a site of healingnot mourning.

Case Study 4: The Confederate Unknowns

At the center of the Confederate section lies a mass grave marked by a stone inscribed: To the Unknown Confederate Soldiers Who Gave Their Lives for Georgia. Over 1,200 soldiers are buried here, their identities lost to war, disease, or neglect. Each year on Memorial Day, descendants and reenactors place flags at the base of the monument. But in recent years, a new tradition has emerged: visitors leave small stoneseach one representing a life not remembered. This practice, borrowed from Jewish tradition, honors the unmarked. The stones now form a small mound, a quiet testament to collective memory. This site challenges visitors to confront the cost of war beyond names and numbers.

FAQs

Is Oakland Cemetery open to the public every day?

Yes, Oakland Cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The grounds close promptly at 5:00 p.m., and no visitors are permitted after that time.

Do I need to pay to enter Oakland Cemetery?

Admission to the cemetery grounds is free. However, guided tours, the self-guided tour booklet, and special events may have associated fees. Donations are encouraged to support preservation efforts.

Can I bring my dog to Oakland Cemetery?

Dogs are welcome on leashes, but they are not permitted inside the Visitor Center, the Old Stone Chapel, or within 10 feet of any grave marker. Please clean up after your pet.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, accessible restrooms are located in the Visitor Center and near the Bell Tower. They are maintained daily and available during operating hours.

Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?

Most main pathways are paved and wheelchair accessible. However, some areas, particularly the Confederate section and older family plots, have uneven terrain. The Visitor Center provides complimentary wheelchairs upon request.

Can I take photos of graves?

Yes, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography, drone use, and filming require a permit. Always be respectful of families who may be present.

How do I find a specific person buried at Oakland Cemetery?

Use the searchable database on oaklandcemetery.org. Enter the name, date of death, or plot number. The system will provide the section, lot, and grave number. Maps at the Visitor Center also include an index.

Are there any guided tours available?

Yes, free guided walking tours are offered every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. No reservation is needed. Private group tours can be arranged by contacting the education department via the website.

Can I leave flowers or mementos on graves?

Flowers and natural items are permitted, but artificial flowers, plastic, glass, or candles are removed by staff for safety and preservation. Consider donating to the cemetery instead as a lasting tribute.

Is Oakland Cemetery haunted? Are ghost tours offered?

Oakland Cemetery is not marketed as a haunted site. While some visitors share personal stories of eerie feelings, the cemetery does not offer ghost tours. The focus remains on historical education and respectful remembrance.

How can I volunteer at Oakland Cemetery?

Volunteer opportunities include docent training, archival transcription, gardening, and event assistance. Visit oaklandcemetery.org/volunteer to apply. No prior experience is requiredtraining is provided.

Conclusion

Touring Oakland Cemetery is not a passive activityit is an act of remembrance, a form of historical engagement, and a deeply human experience. Every stone, every symbol, every overgrown path tells a story of love, loss, ambition, and resilience. By following this guide, you move beyond sightseeing to become a steward of memory. You learn not only who is buried here, but why they matteredand how their lives echo in the city around you. The cemetery does not ask for grand gestures; it asks only for presence, curiosity, and respect. Whether you come to trace your ancestry, study architecture, reflect on mortality, or simply walk among the oaks, Oakland Cemetery offers a space where history breathes. As you leave, take with you not just photographs, but questions: Who else was forgotten? What stories still need telling? How will your own life be remembered? The answers lie not in the stones, but in the way you choose to carry their legacy forward.