On May 12, 1866, the Gate City Nine and the Atlanta Baseball Club took to the field to play the first baseball game in Atlanta.

Imagine looking west beyond the main gates of Oakland to a lush patch of green grass complete with a baseball diamond. Beyond the playing field is a city devastated and still emotionally smoldering from General Sherman’s fires. Red flags hang from the doors of homes housing people with smallpox. It is May 12, 1866, and the city desperately needs something to celebrate. On this day, the Gate City Nine and the Atlanta Baseball Club took to the field to play the first baseball game in Atlanta. Join us for a tour that recaptures the spirit of the day and examines the lives of several of the players taking part in that historic game.

This tour starts at the Front Gate (main entrance at Oakland Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive) at 11:00 AM. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the volunteer desk inside the Visitor Center (374 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, SE).

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

Historic Oakland Foundation Members

Historic Oakland Foundation memberships include free tickets for special topic tours. Check your membership level before you purchase. Individual members receive one (1) ticket, dual members two (2) tickets, and family memberships four (4) tickets. Membership status will be confirmed before the tour.

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. There is designated parking for vehicles with a disability permit by the Visitors Center. This is the best option for parking as the main entrance is paved with cobblestones, and both the East Gate and Memorial Drive Gate entrances have either a step or curb.

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