Oakwood Cemetery
A vast, historic cemetery preserving centuries of stories, notable figures, and intricate headstone art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Oakwood Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, historic cemetery preserving centuries of stories, notable figures, and intricate headstone art.
"A wonderful part of history, kept clean with wonderful, quiet, and serene staff."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find specific plots. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Utilize Cemetery Maps
Oakwood is large! Grab a map or use a smartphone app to navigate and find specific graves. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hank Williams Sr. Memorial
Montgomery, Alabama
Pay respects at the final resting place of country music legend Hank Williams Sr. and his family.
Historic Headstone Symbolism
Various sections
Discover intricate carvings and symbolic art on centuries-old headstones, offering a glimpse into past beliefs.
Military Section
Maxwell Air Force Base area
Honor French and English service personnel who trained at Maxwell AFB during WWII, buried here.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find specific plots. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Utilize Cemetery Maps
Oakwood is large! Grab a map or use a smartphone app to navigate and find specific graves. :iphone:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is an active cemetery. Avoid loud noises and be mindful of ongoing services. :pray:
📸 Capture the History
The headstone art and symbolism are fascinating. Great for photographers interested in history. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find specific plots. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Utilize Cemetery Maps
Oakwood is large! Grab a map or use a smartphone app to navigate and find specific graves. :iphone:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is an active cemetery. Avoid loud noises and be mindful of ongoing services. :pray:
📸 Capture the History
The headstone art and symbolism are fascinating. Great for photographers interested in history. :camerawithflash:
🤝 Ask the Groundskeeper
Staff like Phillip Taunton are incredibly helpful in locating plots and sharing history. :handshake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oakwood Cemetery is widely praised as a well-maintained, historic, and serene place offering a deep connection to local history. Visitors appreciate the helpfulness of the groundskeepers and the opportunity to research genealogy through its online database. While vast, it's considered a valuable site for reflection and historical discovery.
"The Oakwood Cemetery is a well cared for and historic cemetery. The place is very large but roads allow vehicles to used. Hank Williams, Sr. and some of is family are here and there is a nice military section with French and English service personnel who died while training at Maxwell Air Force Base during WWII."
Louis and Elaine
"The Oakwood Cemetery recently launched a project as a joint initiative between the Montgomery County Historical Society and the City of Montgomery to create an online searchable database and map of Oakwood Cemetery’s 38,076 burial sites that span the city’s last 200 years. Using a Smart phone app, volunteers can upload photos, identifying information, and geotag each person buried to an online database open to public record. Genealogists and community volunteers are welcome and invited to come be a part of this effort to preserve history for future generations. It is also hoped that after Oakwood, this program can be launched in other cemeteries. To find out how you can get involved, check out the Montgomery County Historical Society’s website."
Ashley Dias
"Thank you to Mr. Phillip Taunton, the groundskeeper for helping me, my sister and BIL today. We showed up and he helped us on the spot by looking up the location of a family plot, and showing us where it was. Not only that, he showed us a letter written by my mother in 2007 and a letter written by my grandmother dated 1939 regarding the plot. Mr. Taunton’s help was priceless! Thank you for an amazing experience."
Celia Ochs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oakwood Cemetery is accessible by car, with roads throughout the grounds. Specific directions will depend on your starting location. For those using public transport, check local transit routes for services that stop near the cemetery. Some TikToks show it's a significant historical site, implying it's a notable landmark in its respective city.
Yes, Oakwood Cemetery typically offers parking for visitors. The roads within the cemetery are generally navigable by vehicle, allowing for convenient access to various sections.
While driving is common, some visitors may be able to access Oakwood Cemetery via public transportation depending on its location. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for routes serving the cemetery's vicinity.
Oakwood Cemetery usually has designated entrances. It's best to consult a map or the cemetery's official website for the most convenient entry points, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Given its size, a map is highly recommended. Many visitors use smartphone apps or ask groundskeepers for assistance in locating specific burial sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oakwood Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore, as it is a historic public space. However, specific events or tours might have associated costs.
The operating hours for Oakwood Cemetery can vary. It's recommended to check their official website or contact their office for the most current information on opening and closing times.
Visiting Oakwood Cemetery at night is generally not recommended and may be prohibited due to safety and security reasons. Always adhere to the posted operating hours.
For general visitation, advance booking is typically not required as entry is usually free. However, if you plan to attend a special event or guided tour, booking in advance might be necessary.
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always be respectful of the solemn nature of the grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include the memorial for Hank Williams Sr., the military section with WWII service personnel, and the intricate symbolism on historic headstones. Exploring different sections can reveal unique stories.
Yes, Oakwood Cemetery can be a fascinating place for families, especially for those interested in history or a 'headstone hunt' activity. It offers a unique educational experience.
While not always advertised, sometimes historical societies or local groups offer guided tours. Checking with the Montgomery County Historical Society or similar local organizations might provide opportunities.
Oakwood Cemetery is a significant historical site, preserving the stories of individuals and families over 200 years of a city's history. It features diverse burial sections and notable figures.
Absolutely! Oakwood Cemetery has an online searchable database and map of its burial sites, making it a valuable resource for genealogists. Volunteers are encouraged to contribute.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, historic cemeteries like Oakwood do not have on-site food facilities. It's best to bring your own snacks and water or plan to dine before or after your visit.
Picnics are generally not encouraged in active cemeteries out of respect for the grounds and visitors. It's best to confirm specific policies with the cemetery management.
The dining options will vary greatly depending on the specific location of Oakwood Cemetery. Research local restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area for post-visit meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic headstones with intricate symbolism, the Hank Williams Sr. memorial, and the military section offer compelling photographic opportunities. The overall atmosphere provides a unique backdrop.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure the peace and quiet of the grounds and to avoid disturbing visitors or services. It's best to check the cemetery's specific drone policy.
Visitors often focus on historical architecture, unique headstone designs, and the serene, sometimes gothic, atmosphere. Some even engage in themed photoshoots.
For personal use, photography is usually allowed. However, always be respectful of private memorials and avoid intrusive photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the headstones, enhancing photographic appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to discuss local history and the importance of remembrance in a tangible way. Remember to emphasize respectful behavior, as it is a place of quiet reflection and ongoing services. Bring along a map and perhaps a notebook for kids to sketch interesting symbols they find on the headstones. This can turn a simple visit into an engaging learning experience. Pack snacks and water, as there are no food facilities on-site, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for exploring the expansive grounds.
🏛️ History Buffs & Genealogists
Consider joining a historical society or local group that might offer guided tours or volunteer opportunities related to cemetery preservation.
📸 Photographers
Be mindful of respectful photography practices, avoiding intrusive shots and always being aware of your surroundings. While personal photography is generally welcome, commercial shoots may require permission.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Oakwood Cemetery
The cemetery is not just a collection of graves but a repository of stories, offering a tangible connection to the past. The ongoing project to create an online searchable database and map of its burial sites underscores its importance in preserving local history for future generations. Beyond its historical figures, Oakwood Cemetery is also known for its unique headstone symbolism and architectural details. These elements provide insights into the beliefs, artistic styles, and social customs of different eras. Exploring these details can be a fascinating journey for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
For those interested in genealogy, Oakwood Cemetery is an invaluable resource. The initiative to digitize burial records, allowing volunteers to upload photos and information, makes researching family history more accessible than ever.
Exploring Oakwood Cemetery: Tips for Visitors
Respect is paramount when visiting Oakwood Cemetery. As an active burial ground, visitors are urged to be mindful of ongoing services, private memorials, and to avoid disturbing any grave markers or decorations.
Engaging with the cemetery staff, particularly groundskeepers like Phillip Taunton, can greatly enhance your visit. They are often a wealth of information, able to assist in locating family plots and sharing historical anecdotes.
Oakwood Cemetery and Local Lore
+1 Some accounts mention specific statues whose eyes are said to follow visitors, or unsettling sensations that snake down one's back, contributing to its reputation as a potentially haunted location. These stories, often shared on platforms like TikTok, contribute to the cemetery's mystique and attract those interested in urban legends and the paranormal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit