Historic Oakland Cemetery

Activity Overview

When the land for the Oakland Cemetery (originally called the Atlanta Cemetery) was first set aside in 1850 it measured only six acres and was outside the city to the southeast. Now the Cemetery has grown to a size of 48 acres and sits in the center of the city of Atlanta. As the final resting place for over 70,000 people including many former Georgia governors and mayors of the city along with other notable burials the Cemetery is intricately linked with the history of Atlanta. It is also a large green space which can be enjoyed on a pleasant day out.

Things to Do

• The principal guided tour of the Cemetery is entitled "Sights, Symbols and Stories of Oakland". It lasts for an hour and a half and will give you a very good grounding in the general history of the Cemetery and those who have been laid to rest there.
• You will also find out interesting information on the gardens as well as the art and architecture of the entire complex. From the middle of March until the beginning of December this tour is offered three times a day on Saturdays and Sundays.
• For the other months of the year it is reduced to one tour offering a day.

Hitoric Oakland Cemetery Insider Tips

• It is possible to lead yourself on a self-guided of the Cemetery. For $4 you can purchase a self-guided tour map from the Visitors Center or the Museum Shop. This map has 85 points of interest marked on it which you can explore at your leisure.
• Head here for a number of maps that show the Cemetery's layout clearly.