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Prominent Atlanta City Cemetery Recognized With New Historical Marker

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Savannah, GA, August 20, 2008 -- The Georgia Historical Society along with the Garden Club of Georgia, Dogwood District, and Historic Oakland Foundation will unveil a new historical marker to recognize Oakland Cemetery, formerly Atlanta or City Cemetery. The dedication will be held at the cemetery’s main entrance on 248 Oakland Avenue SE in Atlanta on August 25, 2008, at 12:00 p.m. 

This garden cemetery, founded in 1850, is the final resting place of many of Atlanta's settlers, builders, and most noted citizens, such as Bobby Jones and Margaret Mitchell. It is also a showplace of sculpture and architecture, as well as a botanical preserve. Oakland exemplifies the “rural garden” cemetery movement of the late 19th Century, which emerged as an alternative to crowded graveyards. In the Victorian spirit, the garden cemetery featured winding paths, large shade trees, flowers and shrubs, and appealing vistas. It was meant for the living as well as departed loved ones. The garden cemetery concept was a forerunner of public park development in America.

Historical markers, which recognize people, places and events, tell the story of Georgia's past in a format that is accessible to residents and visitors alike and are an effective tool for economic development, encouraging local tourism and general state-wide interest.  GHS has administered Georgia's historical marker program since 1998, erecting nearly 150 markers statewide.