From disease outbreaks to battlefield wounds to murders, this tour traces the myriad ways Oakland residents died in the 19th century.

Early Atlanta was not a sleepy southern community – it had more in common with the Wild West. Life in this railroad town often ended in violence or tragedy. Diseases spread rapidly thanks to Atlanta’s humid climate and swampy land. While advances in medicine were made, like the discovery of germ theory and anesthesia, doctors also used quack cures. All this led to illness, injury, death, and a rise in the number of Oakland residents.

This tour starts at 11:00 AM. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the Oakland Store, located inside the Visitor Center (374 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, SE). Restrooms, snacks, and water are available at the Visitor Center.

Spaces are limited, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. 

Historic Oakland Foundation Members

Historic Oakland Foundation memberships include free tickets for Oakland Tour. Check your membership level before you purchase. Individual members receive one (1) ticket, dual members two (2) tickets, and family memberships four (4) tickets. Members should enter the email address associated with their membership to receive access to free tickets.

Accessibility

Not all areas of Historic Oakland Cemetery are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you need an accessible route when purchasing your ticket by emailing info@oaklandcemetery.com. There is designated parking for vehicles with a disability permit by the Visitors Center. Please be aware that the main entrance of the Cemetery is paved with cobblestones and the East Gate entrance has a step.

ASL interpreter available if given three days (72 hours) notice before the start of the tour.