Oakland Cemetery, located in the scenic wooded area adjacent to the North Racoon River, has provided a beautiful site to honor loved ones for more than 160 years. After the town outgrew its original burial ground located along what is now South 9th Street, a group formed the Oakland Cemetery Association and purchased a portion of the land that is now Oakland Cemetery. The first recorded burial was in 1858.
The city-owned and operated cemetery gradually expanded and now has more than 5200 recorded burials. Notable features include stone entrance pillars and wrought iron fencing, a civil war monument donated by the local Wayt Monument Company, one family mausoleum, a religious monument featuring Jesus’ crucifixion in the Catholic area of the cemetery, and many beautiful historic monuments. Numerous veterans of the Civil War and following wars have been laid to rest in Oakland Cemetery.
A kiosk directory in the northern part of the cemetery allows visitors to easily locate any grave.
Plots are available for $500.
Decorations may be displayed 7 days before Memorial Day until 10 days after Memorial Day. After that time, decorations that impede mowing need to be removed.
