Oakland Cemetery

On sunny days, head to the cleverly named Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House and sit on the upper patio, which overlooks the cemetery. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

Overview of Oakland Cemetery

Situated less than 2 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta and spanning 48 acres, Oakland Cemetery reflects the city's role in both the Civil War and the civil rights movement. Among its winding paths, trees, and flower shrubs, you'll find elaborate mausoleums, intricate statues, and an impressive collection of art and architecture. Amidst the 70,000 graves, you'll spot some well-known Atlantans, including legends like golfer Bobby Jones, author Margaret Mitchell, and musician Kenny Rogers.

About 7,000 Confederate soldiers have been laid to rest in the Confederate burial grounds, while Potter's Field has about 7,500 interred in its grounds. People buried in Potter's Field are those who could not afford a burial, and several are unknown; they come from various races and religions.

Historic African American Grounds

Also on-site is the Historic African American Grounds. In 1852, both local custom and law required African Americans to be buried separately from their white counterparts. Located in the northeastern portion of the cemetery next to Potter's Field, the grounds contain the graves of both enslaved and free African Americans.

In this section, you'll find the graves of Carrie Steele Logan, who founded the first orphanage for African American children in Atlanta, and the Rev. Frank Quarles, one of the founders of the woman's school that later became Spelman College.

Exploring Oakland Cemetery

You are welcome to explore the grounds on your own, although many recent visitors recommended joining a guided tour. For those who forgo a professionally led trip, previous travelers suggested buying a map from the Visitors Center and Museum Store for $5 or downloading a free self-guided tour from the cemetery's website.

Special Topic Tours

To add to the ambiance, consider taking one of the special topic tours, like "Art and Architecture of Death" (which explores the monuments to the departed) or "Jewish Grounds of Oakland" (which explores the cemetery's three Jewish burial grounds as well as Jewish burial customs). Tours run on different days and times throughout the year, so check the website for current offerings.

Transportation and Parking

You'll find free parking outside the cemetery's front gate or on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Oakland Avenue. If you're arriving by MARTA train, get off at the King Memorial station; the cemetery is a half-mile walk southeast. You can also take bus Nos. 9, 21, or 186 to the property or the Atlanta Streetcar to the Edgewood at Hilliard stop, which is less than a mile northwest. For more detailed directions, tour hours, and more, check out the cemetery's website.

Hours

Oakland Cemetery's grounds are open year-round from dawn until dusk. The Visitors Center and Museum Store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Guided walking tours are available on most Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays.

Tickets

The grounds are free to explore, but guided walking tour tickets cost an additional fee: Tickets for adults cost $12, while children between 6 and 17, students, and seniors pay $6.