History :

Originally called Atlanta Graveyard or City Burial Place, Oakland was renamed in 1872. By then it had expanded to 88 acres, mainly due to pressures of the Civil War. During the war, the City and the Confederate government added land to bury soldiers who died in local hospitals. As fighting drew closer and engulfed Atlanta, more burial space was needed. After the war, space was added to provide a proper final resting place for soldiers who had been hastily buried on area battlefields. By 1867 the cemetery reached its present size.

Historic Oakland Foundation was founded in 1976, the same year Oakland was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Working with the City, the Foundation has done much to stabilize the cemetery. Despite progress, deterioration will continue until a comprehensive and systematic restoration and preservation effort is completed.

The next great chapter of Oakland history will be Historic Oakland Foundation's current campaign to raise $15 million for restoration and repairs, and $10 million for endowment to assure ongoing preservation.