The rich cultural heritage of the nation’s capital is exemplified by the ancient and prestigious Oakwood Cemetery, which is located at 1601 Navasota Street in Austin, Texas. Since the 1850s, this cemetery has served as the final resting place for some of Austin’s most illustrious residents, including politicians, artists, and veterans. The cemetery has a variety of architectural designs, from straightforward headstones to ornate mausoleums, which reflect the varied backgrounds of those buried there. The grounds of Oakwood Cemetery are open for self-guided excursions and guided tours. The cemetery plays a key role in Austin’s cultural history and is a beloved monument.
History of Oakwood Cemetery
Since it was founded in 1839, Oakwood Cemetery, which is located at 1601 Navasota St. in Austin, Texas, has played a vital and historic role in the lives of numerous notable Texans as their final resting place. The grounds’ abundance of oak trees led to the name Oakwood being changed from City Cemetery in 1907 to Oakwood. The cemetery is noteworthy for its multicultural and eclectic population, which includes important African Americans, politicians, and Civil War warriors. The City of Austin maintains Oakwood Cemetery, which also has historical significance, as a functioning cemetery in order to preserve its extensive past for future generations.
Notable Features
Oakwood Cemetery is known for its beautiful landscaping and impressive monuments. Some of the notable features of the cemetery include:
- Chapel: The cemetery has a lovely Gothic Revival chapel that was completed in 1914. The chapel is used for memorial services and other special events.
- Confederate Section: A section of the cemetery is dedicated to Confederate veterans, with a big monument honoring Civil War warriors. View website
- Pease Mausoleum: The Pease Mausoleum is a beautiful neoclassical structure that serves as the final resting place for the Pease family, one of Austin’s most prominent families.
- Johnston Family Mausoleum: The Johnston Family Mausoleum is a magnificent edifice that serves as Albert Sidney Johnston’s and his family’s ultimate resting place. A huge dome and elaborate decorations adorn the tomb.
- Historic Oak Trees: The cemetery is home to several historic oak trees, including a 200-year-old oak tree that stands near the chapel.
Notable Residents at Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures in Austin’s history, including:
- Susanna Dickinson: Susanna Dickinson was the wife of Alamo survivor Almaron Dickinson. She is known for her eyewitness account of the Battle of the Alamo, which she gave to General Sam Houston.
- Angelina Eberly: Angelina Eberly was a businesswoman and innkeeper who played a significant role in Texas history. In 1842, she fired a cannon to prevent the removal of the archives from Austin, an event that is now known as the Archives War.
- Tom Miller: Tom Miller was a businessman and philanthropist who donated the land for Tom Miller Dam, which created Lake Austin.
- John Henry Faulk: John Henry Faulk was a humorist, storyteller, and radio and television personality. He was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his liberal views but later went on to win a landmark defamation lawsuit against a right-wing organization.
Key Features of Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery is not only a place of historical significance but also an architectural and artistic treasure. Some of the notable features of the cemetery include:
- Cemetery Chapel: The Cemetery Chapel is a beautiful Gothic-style chapel located on the grounds of Oakwood Cemetery. The chapel was built in 1914 and features stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. Hop over to this site
- Monument of the Unknown Soldier: The Monument of the Unknown Soldier is a large granite monument located in the center of the cemetery. It was dedicated in 1885 to honor the unknown soldiers who fought and died for their country.
- Confederate Soldiers Section: The Confederate Soldiers Section is a separate area of the cemetery reserved for Confederate soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The section contains several monuments and memorials dedicated to Confederate soldiers.
- Artistic Memorials: Oakwood Cemetery contains many beautiful and unique memorials, including sculptures, mausoleums, and headstones, that showcase the artistic talents of the people who commissioned them.
Visiting Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery is open to visitors daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors are encouraged to explore the cemetery and pay their respects to the notable Texans buried there. The cemetery is a popular destination for history buffs, genealogists, and those interested in architecture and landscaping.
Some tips for visiting Oakwood Cemetery include:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The cemetery grounds are quite large, so comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to do a lot of walking.
- Bring Water and Sunscreen: The Texas sun can be intense, so be sure to bring water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protect your skin.
- Be Respectful: Remember that Oakwood Cemetery is a final resting place for many people, so be respectful of the graves and monuments. Don’t litter or vandalize the grounds.
- Take A Guided Tour: If you want to learn more about the history and features of Oakwood Cemetery, consider taking a guided tour. The cemetery offers both guided and self-guided tours.
- Follow The Rules: Be sure to follow the cemetery’s rules and regulations, which include no pets, no alcohol, and no recreational equipment.
Essential Information About Oakwood Cemetery
Location: 1601 Navasota St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Phone: +15129782320
Website: www.austintexas.gov