I've been here a few times and love this spot. I know it's weird to say because it is a cemetery, but people hang out here. You can walk through and check out the diverse grounds or set up a picnic in one of the open grassy areas. I've seen people biking here as well. They also hold events here, both ticketed and not ticketed. We did a free tour during Atlanta Science Week that was amazing. It lasted over an hour and the guide took time to answer all of our questions. The theme was around how they maintain the stones and grounds. There are other tours on other topics, but some are paid. The gift shop is cute too and everyeon is so friendly. There is security and they do have operating hours, so check those before you come. read more

During spooky season in Atlanta they do night tours at the cemetery. This was my first time going. It is pretty neat how they have it all set up. I enjoyed hearing the history of some of the residents there. Very cool, highly recommend. read more

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I had a lovely time here during the Spring event. What a cool cemetery with gardens and large monuments. The Spring event had food trucks, a plant sale, and many other vendors. It was a very nice stroll and something different to do. read more

Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta, Georgia) is the final resting place of many notable individuals, including former mayors, governors, and Civil War soldiers. It also commemorates the lives of famous Atlanta citizens such as author Margaret Mitchell, known for her timeless novel "Gone with the Wind," musician Kenny Rogers, and golfer Bobby Jones. We only had about an hour to explore. The place is gorgeous. There's a map to direct you to people of historical significance. The volunteers/workers are super friendly and really enjoy tending to the cemetery. read more

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It was very cool to see the history of the civil war there. It was free too and a great place to walk in. read more

Historic Oakland Cemetery - Confederate graves - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I love cemeteries, especially old ones so when we decided to walk from downtown ATL to the Zoo in Grant Park, we took a route that would take us through Historic Oakland Cemetery. The headstones, mausoleums and other statues were very nice to look at. The grid of the cemetery is easy to meander through even if you don't visit the visitors center to get a map. And honestly, google maps does point out the "significant" and "important" graves so you might not even need it. The lanes are easy to walk and though it's large, this isn't a cemetery you'd get lost in. I thought the place was well taken care of, with clean landscaping and not a lot of trash anywhere. I don't know much about Atlanta history and I'm not a Gone with The Wind fan but I still found the history interesting. Nice way to send part of your day. read more

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We attended the Illuminate night event in this cemetery and I would highly recommend this experience to others! So cool to walk around the space at night, enjoy a drink, and listen to live music! read more

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Oakland is by far my favorite place in Atlanta! I am a member here and at this point I have done quite a few of the different special topics tours that they offer. All of the tour guides I've had were just wonderful. My most recent tour guide was so interesting and I found out that she is actually a former teacher and current staff at the Atlanta History center so she REALLY knew her stuff and delivered in such a captivating way. Some of the tours have some overlapping info so you might hear some familiar stories after a few tours, but it's always interesting to hear different perspectives from the different guides. I've attended a few of Oakland's special events now and they do them really well. Illumine is so cool even if I felt like some of the art went over my head a little bit. My only criticism was the family Halloween festival in October because there was no food available and they ran out of pumpkins. I am so pleased with my membership at Oakland and love introducing my friends and family to the most beautiful spot in the whole city read more

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Excellent date night. Was a little weary about walking around among deceased people, but when I saw how people were treating this opportunity, I felt better. There were places to sit and chat as well as restrooms in multiple locations. There were art works at different parts of path. Would definitely go again. read more

Historic Oakland Cemetery - Entrance - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Walked all through this cool, old cemetery. Has civil war section that was pretty amazing. So many graves with very little information on the deceased soldiers. Graves and tombs from early 1880s. Really interesting plantings throughout. Worth the trip. read more

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Great spot for a walk or self-guided tour. I come every year for their Halloween tour and Day of the Dead festival. The cemetery was built with the idea that people would take a stroll through it like any park. It does not disappoint. So much history, mausoleums and beautiful oak trees. read more

This is my first trip to Atlanta and I was looking to visit a museum on a Monday which was a little difficult. This historical location is probably overlooked and I had a nice time walking around to get a view of some of the magnolia trees. Little did I know that Kenny Rogers and Margaret Mitchell are buried here. One of the rangers gave me a little history lesson of some of the people buried here and Atlanta in general. It's not just a cemetery and there are other activities that take place here given the great amount of acreage. A hidden gem, truly. read more

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48 acres of Atlanta residents laid to rest, this is history. Brick walkways criss-cross the cemetery and divide it into clear sections including the Original Six Acres, the African-American Grounds, the Confederate Memorial Grounds, Potters Field and Jewish Hill. As you walk through the cemetery, you'll be walking through Atlanta history. From the past to the present, including 27 former city Mayors (Maynard Jackson, of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport). Other notables including golfer Bobby Jones, author Margaret Mitchell (Gone With the Wind) and Holocaust survivor Andrew Steiner. The Confederate section includes a the Lion of the Confederacy statue, unfortunately a common target for desecration. The 65 foot tall obelisk is made from granite from Stone Mountain and was dedicated on April 26, 1874. The "New" Jewish section were acquired by the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation in 1878 and 1892. The names and Hebrew markings make this section obvious. The cemetery is an easy hour of walking and looking. Walk with care as the bricks are not completely even and the drainage areas along side the walkways can roll an ankle. Some areas are well shaded, others not. There is nearby parking. [Review 13625 overall, 944 of 2020, number 318 in Georgia.] read more

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A beautiful cemetery with historical markers and an opportunity to call in to learn more about some of the residence buried there. This cemetery looks well taken care of and they are renovating different areas would highly recommend visiting. The visitor center was not open when we went on a Sunday and the parking lot did say $10 parking. read more

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I love cemeteries and try to visit them when I can when I am traveling. My friends were going to the aquarium and that is not my thing so I went to Oakland Cemetery instead. The do tours here but I did my own instead. I spent a few hours wandering around and that wasn't even enough time to see everything. The cemetery is huge so you need to plan where you want to go or just not mind wandering with no destination. I visited a good chunk of the cemetery and everything was beautiful. Make sure to visit the gift shop just outside of the gate, get yourself some water and say hello to the very knowledgeable ladies there before or after you walk around. read more

I'm a sucker for cemeteries while traveling. From the mossy Oak trees of cemeteries in Savannah, Georgia to the Russian influenced cemeteries found in Alaska. One way or another, I have found myself in quite a few cemeteries over the years. Specifically those with unique burials and beautiful settings. Historic Oakland cemetery sits on a hill overlooking downtown Atlanta with gorgeous views at sunset. We found ourselves with an hour or two to hop around Atlanta before the sun went down and this was one of our three stops. The parking situation was very easy with a dedicated lot along side the cemetery. Once inside, you will find lush landscaping even in the winter months. The author of gone with the wind is buried here along with several other famous people. I was more interested in seeing the layout of the cemetery and the beautiful view that you could get of downtown while moseying the rows. They do offer tours throughout the week but we were too late to experience those. Worth noting, there are several fun looking business is located across the street as well as fun historic Victorian looking cottages/architecture. read more

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One of the few cemeteries with a gift shop. Little shop with clever gifts and books about cemeteries and guides to the historic cemetery. Cemetery itself is beautifully kept up. We did not go on the tour but we saw others and looked worthwhile. read more

After brunch today, my girlfriend and I decided for a stroll through Oakland Cemetery. It's the perfect time of year to look at the changing colors and to enjoy the crisp morning weather. Parking is free in an adjacent gravel lot and there are plenty of entrances to the cemetery. If you make your way to the visitors center you can download a map of the property. The visitors center is open all the time but masks are required. It was even open today (Sunday) even though yelp shows it as closed. Even without a map, you can enjoy a very peaceful, quiet self guided tour on your own. Be mindful of passing runners, other walkers, and even Segway tours. There are plenty of historic Atlanta names, a confederate section, and tons of regular people's graves to look at. The scenery is beautiful and the Atlanta skyline makes for a great backdrop. Overall, if the weather is nice and you want to be outdoors, you cannot beat a quiet walk around Oakland Cemetery. It's so quiet and peaceful that you'll often forget you're in the city. read more

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Interesting for its slice of Atlanta history, many mayors, Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell and others including Kenny Rogers who must have bought his way in before he died because he lived in Alpharetta, born in Houston and should not be associated with Atlanta. Nice Civil war and Black section history, nothing on the large Jewish area or their contributions. Landscaping barely maintained by the city and security needs improvement since it's not in a good part of the city. read more

Historic Oakland Cemetery - Historical sign - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I want to give more stars, but I can't because of the lack of maintenance. Sidewalks are dangerous and need to be replaced. Many headstones are covered in weeds which is really sad, especially considering the fact that many of those interred here are American heroes. I did really love the audio tour and hope to see this in more cemeteries in the future. City of Atlanta, please do the right thing and maintain this resting place! read more

I went for the Light Show and had a fantastic experience. The cemetery is beautiful and takes you to another place in time.

The Oakland Cemetery is still just as beautiful and historic as ever, but I've been using it as more of a playground these days. Since quarantine began and my gym closed down, Oakland Cemetery has become way more than just a tourist attraction for me. It's good to run through, as it's hilly AF. I like to cut through the brick-paved lanes, because they're a little rougher than the main road, and they keep me on my toes. Toward the Boulevard side, there's a big green hill, which can be good for continuing a workout OR sitting with someone whose social distance you're not respecting (aka a loved one lol) There are a bunch of short walls for dips and (non-gravestone) surfaces that can be good for step-ups. We gotta get creative these days, so here's my little secret. Oakland Cemetery is always quiet and beautiful, and it's really been a safe haven for me these days :) read more

Very nice and peaceful place. Signage for graves of note is well done. I used the audio tour on the app. Going through a paving project right now so beware. I am steady on my feet and had sneakers on and I nearly rolled my ankles/tripped a few times. Also I would say that "dusk" for the time of the closure of their little shop is a very loose interpretation of dusk. It was closed way earlier than dusk. read more

Beautiful cemetery, highly recommend because it's cool seeing all the old graves, Hundred year old graves. I went at night and it was awesome read more

A beautiful plot of history. Sally, the docent volunteer was outstanding.. The 90 minute tour is just the right amount of time to tour the grounds and learn about the wars, communities, industrialists, novelists sports figures and entertainers. Highly recommend this unusual, non-commercialized tour of how Atlanta came to be read more

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This is a fairly interesting destination depending on how much you like local history. The two most famous residents are probably Margaret Mitchell (GWTW) and Bobby Jones (golf). There are other local figures as well. The cemetery is located just east of downtown Atlanta, within 2 miles. Parking (when I've visited) was in an adjacent gravel lot (or street parking) just outside the west gate. You could also reach it via public transit, though I have not done that (I believe the King Memorial MARTA station is visible a few blocks away). Inside the perimeter brick wall, there is a grid of streets that divide the cemetery into sub-zones, and within those there are grids of paths as well. There are monuments and headstones covering the past ~ 150 years, so the architectural variety is interesting. There is a visitors' center centrally located, though I think it has been closed for most of 2020. Oakland also offers occasional activities such as ghost tours in October (which I have not taken) and a scavenger hunt in Nov/Dec (which I've done twice and enjoyed a lot). Their website has a full calendar of upcoming events. Given pleasant weather, this is a good place to spend an hour strolling and checking out anything that catches your eye. read more

This is Atlanta's version of Paris' Pere Lachaise or NOLA's St.Louis. Oakland Cemetery is named for many oak trees planted there and is a small city with 70K current quiet residents. It was established as Atlanta Cemetery in 1850 with 6 acres that's grown to 48 acres. It took me about 1.5 hours to walk and experience the major sections. + Ambiance - well kept grounds and easy paved paths to explore this walled cemetery. A wide range of plants, trees and shrubs such as oak trees, southern magnolias, gardenias that are typical of the South are planted here. From the top of the hill, a nice view of downtown Atlanta can be seen. + Historic and architectural experience - This cemetery is nearly 170 years old and the tomb stones, unmarked to impressive statues and mausoleums reflect the style of the times and culture. I walked the original 6 acres where the Martha Crompton, daughter of Governor is buried and which Atlanta was named after as Marthasville for a short period in the mid-1800s, crowded New Jewish Section, sad Potter's Field, African American Grounds and Confederate Grounds. There's an impressive lion statue (Lion of Atlanta) marking lost unknown solders is inside Victorian iron gates. Bobby Jones, Maynard Jackson and Margret Mitchell graves were marked with small signs and directions but most of the grounds had no signs. One exception was African American Grounds where you can phone and listen to corresponding information at each marker (12). + Free entry. Guided tours are available for fee if desired. + Free Parking lot outside the front gate at MLK and Oakland. I saw a few cars driving inside the cemetery but the only parking I saw was a small one at the visitor's center. - Self guided APP did not download and was annoying. Most people just gave up and some went and bought a $5 physical map. I recommend downloading before coming here - maybe you'll have better luck. Oakland is sold out but some families and Atlanta (city) still bury loved ones here. This cemetery is worth your time to indulge in Atlanta's history. Since it's located in Cabbagetown, there are some good nearby places to eat / beverage after. read more

I'm not typically a person that wanders through cemeteries, but this one is definitely worth the stroll. There's so much history here, and you could literally walk through this park for hours. I've never seen so many cool and interesting headstones. I definitely want to take an official tour, to learn more about the people buried there. I also loved that the park was very clean and there's also plenty of places to sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. Definitely recommend! read more

Historic Oakland Cemetery - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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I've always appreciated cemeteries and historic churches in every city I've visited over the years. You can take a break and do some reflecting on life and appreciate it more as everyone will die. The headstones are a marvelous site as is the local flowers and plants. Dedicated people work hard to preserve its nature and history. Could have spent several hours walking up and down the brick paths. If possible we would take a tour to learn more about the cemetery providing we had the time. In a busy city such as Atlanta it's nice to see places like this exist to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. read more

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It's kind of weird saying 'I'm a fan of a cemetery." Oakland was created in 1850 which is about as old as anything gets in Atlanta. It's filled with the folks whose names are on Atlanta's neighborhoods and prominent institutions as well as Confederate dead (the saddest is a drummer boy from Arkansas. How did they get people to travel from so far to fight for the cause of protecting slavery?). There's a huge paupers field with no headstones. large African American and Jewish sections. (Strange concept that you can't mix up the deceased.) Last time I was here -- in the 1970s -- it was pretty close to abandoned, with plots overgrown and headstones in disrepair. The Historic Oakland Foundation has been instrumental in changing that. http://www.oaklandcemetery.com/ Don't think cemetery. Think huge green space less than 1 mile from downtown. The Foundation fills the cemetery/park with activities and uses the money it raises to maintain the cemetery. Last Sunday it was a Victorian festival, plus an antique car show, plus some pretty good musicians What a cool idea. . read more

Historic Oakland Cemetery - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Strange to "review" a cemetery but it is a historic venue. And some people want to see the final resting stop of their ancestors. This is still an active cemetery as about 15 burials occur each week, though all the plots have long ago been sold. The remains of a few famous people are here. The visitor office gets 5 stars for their help and support to be helpful (see photo). read more

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Okay, I know when most people go on vacations even if for the day, or I guess i should say especially if just for the day...why hang out in a cemetery ...well I enjoy them. I think they are peaceful and beautiful. The art work and beauty of the sculptures, tombstones,, monuments and memorials...they surround you. Imagine them as an art gallery or museum...that is outdoors and absolutely free to enjoy. This cemetery is full of history and would rival any gallery or museum, and the part I like..it is free to enjoy..to wonder around and get lost for hours if you have the time. I have been to various cemeteries and this is one of the most beautiful that I have enjoyed. The one downside...you have to pay for the map/guide at the office. I thought that was strange..usually they are free..but here they cost $5 You have too not look at it like this is a place of the dead..it is more than stones and placards...they are memorials to represent and remind us of the past. There are so many historical people that made real changes in their lives that are buried here..Like Margaret Mitchell Marsh...she wrote GONE WITH THE WIND..without her, could you imagine..no Scarlett, no Rhett... If you get the chance you should visit this gorgeous cemetery. you will enjoy it. Just walk around and quietly enjoy..its hard to believe you are in the middle of a large hectic busy city...but here...time stands still.... read more

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What a great way to experience the history of Atlanta through some of her most famous residents! I primarily came here due to the grave of Margaret Mitchell Marsh, but I had downloaded the self-guided tour app on to my phone and was excited to explore around on an almost drizzly (and therefore cooler) day. Unfortunately, there was an issue with the app (server down or some other such nonsense), so I just ambled up and down the rows of the aged cemetery. There are brick paths to help you along the grid, but be careful since most of the paths have been busted up by the big oak tree roots that criss-cross around the cemetery. This isn't a cemetery that you can drive through, but it's small enough that you don't really need to (unless you have a hard time walking). The gift shop contains all kinds of historical goodies to purchase, and there's a restroom there too, in case you find the need to go. Great little trip. Worth the stop, but wish the app had been working so I could learn even more. read more

I've been visiting Oakland Cemetery for many years, either for a walk, a tour, a music event, or just for a relaxing stroll. It's such a beautiful garden cemetery. This year, for the first time, I went during their Daffodil Days event. Absolutely stunning! they have about 70 varieties of daffodils, many of them rescued from estates or rescued from various situations. They offer a map which shows where the main clusters are, making it easy to find the daffodils. Mother Nature adds to the daffodil blossoms by having so many other blossoms and flowering plants and trees in bloom at the same time! There's limited parking (but it's free--a rarity in Atlanta), so try to get their early or during "Golden Hour" (an hour before sunset/sunrise) if you want to make photos with some spectacular light! read more

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A whole lot of history Oakland Cemetery isn't particularly old, founded in 1850 it's a relative newcomer compared to the real old graveyards in New England. But Oakland has been around long enough to see some of the important events in the history of Georgia and to pack in thousands of graves from all different types of people. The grounds are gorgeous and well maintained, nothing creepy about this place, it's more like a park than a graveyard. Lots of fascinating things to see like the rows of confederate soldiers that died in the Civil War as well as the huge lion monument to the unknown confederate soldiers. If you look a bit you'll find the grave of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, as well as many other residents of the area that are known only to local folk. The are a wide variety of memorials, some massive and imposing and others very simple and plain and many lovely and ancient magnolia and other trees and plants. We were fortunate to met the manager of the cemetery who was a wonderful and friendly fellow that mesmerized us with some great stories, I could have listened to him for hours. Oakland is a very special cemetery that tells the history and past of Atlanta and Georgia far more eloquently than any book. read more

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A cool place to checkout if you're looking for something new to do. A lot of history buried in this area of the city. Offers the opportunity for a quiet stroll through a hidden portion of the city. Definitely a good place to take out of town visitors. Bonus: There is a nice place right across the street to stp and have a bite to eat, enjoy a good beer, and chat about what you just saw -- six feet under. read more

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"Quickly, quickly... everyone, everyone!" "It's starting, we currently know Richard is on his way over to the main gate presently and it's our time!" [sliences sweeps over the yard and the workers perk up to the announcement.] "He's currently walking over through cabbage town, someone saw him pass by Estoria hauling a hammock and a small jar." *crickets* "Don't interact with him unless he says, 'Hi.' Or Waves." [we see the groundskeepers starting the jobs they were already working on. They know just to go about their day-to-day and let the man have his time.] ---------- "Man, it's weird not having a phone, what do I do with my hands." I light another cigarette and continue with my current stride.[1] "So, we are gonna go to one of my favorite spots in all of Atlanta, bro," I whisper to my brother's ashes during my small walk around my neighborhood. "I'm gonna find a monument for you don't worry." My brief walk a few blocks over have taken me to one of my favorite meditation spots and I'm glad I get to spend it with a loved one. ---------- "Please, act normal, Richard is currently entering the grounds, act normal, and let him set up his site without confrontation." ---------- this looks like a good space to open up shop." I construct my hammock and set my ​familiar upon my chest as I light both another cigarette and joint in my fingers. I take a hard inhale on both and start my breathing exercises. The time feels infinite, like this moment will not pass.[2] [Queue Artist: The White Stripes - Song: I'm Bound To Pack It Up] "I wish you could be here." "I'm not too sure what u should be doing, like why did you do this to me." "I'm glad you aren't suffering anymore." "I just wish you were here." ---------- [Richard takes a slow pan of the yard before him. He sees a guy in a white shirt digging a tree out of a gravesite, probably one of the groundskeepers who is doing some public service. Off in the distance, we see a funeral service happening, the loved ones of the Deceased grieving, they probably think the groundsman is a grave robber. Further to the left, we see a young woman taking pictures of the grave with a very nice camera. I'm sure she is looking for peace like the people here are enjoying currently. Richard ends his gaze upon a small child who couldn't be more than 12 smoking his one-hitter behind a grave with "Bronson" etched into it. That's where later Richard will smudge a few his brother's ashes.] ---------- After listening to one of my favorite albums twice and a strong bout of paranoia, I decided to head out.[3] Right before I get up a small acorn falls on my chest, I decided to give it to my brother, and pack up. As I walk through the gates and head homebound I feel something pass through me. I like to think I'm blessed. ---------- [1] "I dropped my phone a few weeks ago on one of my late-night strolls home.[4]" [2] "You've met with a terrible fate haven't you?" [3] ightimmaheadout.jpeg [4] I was blackout drunk and walking home and decided to throw my phone at my front door. read more

Very cool cemetery. I would visit it again. There was a lot to see. Cool piece of history

I road my bike here from the King Memorial Marta Station which takes about a minute. I rode up to the visitor center and had a very pleasant talk with the volunteer. You can still get buried here, but you have to have some serious pull and you have to be dead. Only ten lucky people get to be buried here a year, but don't worry, Mr. Sam has plenty of other things to keep him busy. If you're considering riding your bike around they don't have a problem with that. I posted a long boring bumpy video on YouTube. Next time I'll bring my mountain bike as those old brick paths are very hard on a road bike. Anyway, if you have guests in from out of town, save some money by taking them here instead of the Coke Museum. read more

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I used to think it weird that people visit cemeteries for any reason other than to pay respects to a loved one. However, when it comes to Oakland, I understand the curiosity. It has a long list of residents that helped shape Atlanta into the great Southern Metropolis it is today. Oakland Cemetery was founded in 1850, a decade after John Thrasher first developed land in Atlanta. Originally called Atlanta Cemetery, it was set on 6 acres but later renamed due to many beautiful Oak trees growing here. It expanded to its current size of 48 acres and is one of the largest green spaces in the city. There are eleven distinct sections. Here is a little information on five of them: - ORIGINAL SIX ACRES The cemeteries first resident was Dr. James Nissen whom died in 1850. Dr. Nissen feared being buried alive, so his jugular vein was cut prior to his burial to ensure he did not wake up later underground. Also buried in this section is Martha Lumpkin Compton, the namesake of "Marthasville" which Atlanta was briefly known as between 1843 and 1845. When I first arrived today, I met a woman tending a gravesite she'd adopted. We talked for a while and I shared how much cemeteries creep me out and she shared with me a wealth of cemetery knowledge. Did you know it is an old tradition to face graves towards the East so that a person will already be facing Jesus coming from the Eastern sky on Resurrection Day? - CONFEDERATE GROUNDS The 65 foot tall Confederate Obelisk located here is made of granite from Stone Mountain. Another monument is the Lion of the Confederacy, carved from a large piece of marble found in North Georgia. As I walked this section I wondered to myself what it would have been like to face this many men who would have just as well shot me dead on the spot. I also wondered what their perspective is now, if in fact they have already met God. - NEW JEWISH SECTION It was unbelievably crowded. Practically every inch of ground has been used. - POTTER'S FIELD By 1884, all of the traditional plots were sold. The only way to be buried in Oakland was either by purchasing a plot from a family who owned one or in Potter's Field. It is estimated that there are 17,000 graves in this one section alone. - AFRICAN AMERICAN GROUNDS A place that still testifies to the racial inequality of our countries past. Visitors will notice the lack of headstones. This is not because they didn't have any, but because they were often made of wood and decomposed over the passage of time. The only black mausoleum in this section is occupied by Antoine Graves, the principal of the first school in Atlanta for African-Americans (Storrs). He was also a successful realtor with an office on Atlanta's Wall Street! FAMOUS RESIDENCE Since 1837, when the stake marked "Terminus" was first driven into the ground, Atlanta has been churning out residents that would change the world. None more noteworthy than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (one of the most important people in all of history). So it is an honor to introduce a few other famous Atlanta names you may see on streets, airports & buildings that all reside in Historic Oakland Cemetery. * Dr. Thomas Slater - whom partnered with Dr. Henry Rutherford to operate the first black-owned pharmacy in Atlanta. * Bishop Wesley John Gaines - Founder of Morris Brown College * Maynard Jackson - The first African-American Mayor of the city (1974). Also one of the namesakes for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport * Dr. Joseph Jacobs - Founder of Jacobs drug store where the first drink of Coca-Cola was ever sold (1886). * Margaret Mitchell - author of Gone with the Wind. * Morris and Emanuel Rich - Founders of Rich's Departments stores * Carrie Steele Logan - An ex-slave who founded the 1st African American orphanage in Atlanta. * 27 Atlanta mayors / 6 Georgia governors * Bobby Jones - Only golfer to win the 4 major golfing titles in the same calendar year (1930) & founder of the Masters Tournament. FINAL THOUGHTS What I discovered today is visiting a cemetery (especially a historic one) is not weird at all. I have truly fallen in love with this place! It took me about 2.5 hours to walk the entire cemetery, but it was surprisingly soothing. I learned that being surrounded by death makes you appreciate life. NOTE: The Bell Tower section is absolutely stunning. Also be sure to take the walking tour (via mobile phone) of the African American section. I learned so much that don't have room to include, but here is a history link: http://www.oaklandcemetery.com/black-history-month-at-oakland-cemetery/ The woman I met when coming into the cemetery found me 2 hours later. She said to me "for a guy who's creep'd out by cemeteries, you sure spent a lot of time here!" After enthusiastically telling her what I learned during my walk she looked at me with the sincerest smile ever and nodded her head as if to say 'yep, now you understand.' It was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend visiting. ENJOY! read more

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