Old Live Oak Cemetery
A hauntingly beautiful historic cemetery in Selma, AL, draped in Spanish moss and rich with Confederate and Civil Rights history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enhances the atmospheric mood
Old Live Oak Cemetery
Best Time
Enhances the atmospheric mood
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful historic cemetery in Selma, AL, draped in Spanish moss and rich with Confederate and Civil Rights history.
"One of the most atmospheric cemeteries I've ever seen, with huge trees and swathes of Spanish moss literally everywhere."
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Take your time to wander and discover the unique monuments and the natural beauty.
📸 Capture the Mood
Black and white photography can enhance the atmospheric and historic feel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spanish Moss-Draped Live Oaks
Towering trees draped in ethereal Spanish moss create a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric setting.
Unique Southern Monuments
Discover a variety of picturesque gravestones and unique memorial markers, reflecting diverse histories.
Confederate and Civil Rights Graves
A poignant intersection of history, with resting places for both Confederate soldiers and Civil Rights figures.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Atmosphere
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Take your time to wander and discover the unique monuments and the natural beauty.
📸 Capture the Mood
Black and white photography can enhance the atmospheric and historic feel.
🌳 Respectful Observation
Be mindful of the historical significance and approach with respect for all interred.
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
Some visitors have reported safety concerns; stay aware of your surroundings.
In Search of Big, Beautiful Magnolia Trees
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Take your time to wander and discover the unique monuments and the natural beauty.
📸 Capture the Mood
Black and white photography can enhance the atmospheric and historic feel.
🌳 Respectful Observation
Be mindful of the historical significance and approach with respect for all interred.
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
Some visitors have reported safety concerns; stay aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Live Oak Cemetery for its deeply atmospheric beauty, particularly the Spanish moss-draped live oaks and unique Southern monuments. It's a historically significant site, offering a poignant look at both Confederate and Civil Rights era interments. However, some reviewers have raised concerns about safety and interactions with local youth, suggesting a need for awareness.
"Very interesting and a beauty to see how the dead were memorialized. Unique southern monuments and headstones surrounded by Spanish Moss covered live oak trees."
Christina Isbell
"beautiful historic cemetery. Personally, even as a white man; I am not particularly fond of the "circle of the Confederacy" monument; but it is a part of our history. That and the Nathan Bedford Forrest monument should serve as cautionary tales of what could be if we choose to remain ignorant and maintain a false sense of superiority"
Roger Mcclellan
"Spanish moss adds atmosphere to this historic cemetery. Some stunning old gravestones, & lots to learn. Bedford Forrest is not buried here, nor is he from Selma, so the recent placement of a memorial here is simply a silent political statement. Let it remind you that those that commit acts that injure and those that commit acts that heal are all subject to the same fate…. all return to the dirt beneath your feet.
Choose your legacy wisely"
Rebecca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Live Oak Cemetery is located in Selma, Alabama. It's accessible by car, and GPS navigation should guide you directly to the entrance. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, it's recognized for its historical significance and unique atmosphere, drawing visitors interested in Southern history and unique cemeteries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, cemeteries are free to enter for visitation. It's advisable to check local listings or the cemetery's official website for any specific entry requirements or hours.
Cemetery hours can vary. It's best to confirm the specific opening and closing times before your visit, as they may be subject to change.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, and many visitors capture the atmospheric beauty. Consider black and white for a striking effect.
Look for areas with prominent Spanish moss-draped live oaks and unique, picturesque gravestones for the most captivating shots.
While generally allowed, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography.
🎫 📜 History & Significance
It's significant for its interments from both the Confederate era and the Civil Rights Movement, offering a unique historical narrative.
The cemetery is known to be the resting place for Confederate soldiers and figures important to local history, including Benjamin Sterling Turner.
This monument is a historical marker within the cemetery, representing a part of the Civil War's legacy.
While a memorial may have been placed, Nathan Bedford Forrest is not buried here, and its presence is noted as a political statement by some visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given some reports of safety concerns, it might be advisable for families to visit during daylight hours and when other visitors are present. Consider it a place for a focused, educational visit rather than an extended play area. The visual elements, like the moss and old trees, can be a great way to make history more tangible for younger minds.
📸 Photographers
Visiting on an overcast day can amplify the dramatic effect, but even on a sunny day, the ancient trees offer plenty of visual interest. Be sure to allow ample time to explore different sections of the cemetery to find the most compelling compositions. Remember to be respectful of the site and any ongoing services or visitors.
👻 History Buffs & Taphophiles
Taphophiles will appreciate the sheer variety and age of the markers, as well as the atmospheric setting created by the live oaks and Spanish moss. It’s a place to contemplate the lives and legacies of those interred, offering a tangible connection to historical events. Be prepared for a reflective and potentially thought-provoking experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Haunting Beauty of Spanish Moss
This visual spectacle is a hallmark of the Deep South and is expertly showcased within the cemetery's grounds. The sheer age and size of the live oaks, combined with the abundant moss, evoke a sense of timelessness and natural reclamation. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s persistent presence, even in places dedicated to remembrance.
Navigating Complex Histories
The presence of monuments, such as the 'Circle of the Confederacy,' and discussions around figures like Nathan Bedford Forrest, highlight the complex and often contentious nature of historical memory. Some visitors note that certain memorials are intended as political statements rather than historical markers, prompting deeper consideration of legacy and interpretation.
Visitor Experiences and Safety
However, it's important to acknowledge that some visitors have shared negative experiences, including reports of feeling unsafe due to interactions with local youth.
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