Historic burial ground featuring Victorian-era monuments, winding paths, and the final resting places of notable regional figures.
General Information
Closed major holidays
Guided tours (seasonal): $10 per person
How to Get There
From downtown Wilmington, take Market Street east, turn left on 15th Street, and continue north to the cemetery entrance.
Overview
The Oakdale Cemetery is Wilmington’s oldest rural cemetery, established in 1852 as a garden-style burial ground. Spanning over 100 acres, it features winding paths, ancient oaks, and elaborate Victorian monuments that reflect the city’s rich history. The cemetery is the final resting place of Confederate soldiers, prominent citizens, and even the inspiration for the poem “The Little Confederate.” Visitors can explore the grounds on foot or join seasonal guided tours that delve into the lives and legacies of those interred.
Oakdale is more than a cemetery—it’s a cultural landscape that blends art, architecture, and history. The site is a peaceful retreat for reflection and a valuable resource for genealogists and historians. With its serene beauty and historical significance, Oakdale Cemetery offers a unique perspective on Wilmington’s past and the people who shaped it.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Oakdale Cemetery, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
