by Sara Logue, Research and Public Service Archivist, MARBL
Early on in Atlanta's history, it was determined that the growing town was going to need a space to bury its citizens. In 1850, six acres of land were purchased and set aside for the purpose of a public cemetery. By 1867, however, the cemetery grew to 48 acres due to the high number of Civil War casualties in and around Atlanta. Oakland Cemetery was designed as a rural garden cemetery allowing for citizens of the city to take advantage of a beautiful outdoor space while visiting with their late friends and relatives. Today the space is frequented for both tours of Atlanta history, and as a way to visit some of the city's more famous inhabitants.
