What is Oakwood Cemetery and when was it established?

Oakwood Cemetery, originally called City Cemetery, is the oldest city-owned cemetery in Austin, Texas. It was established in 1839 as a public cemetery when Austin was being considered as the capital of the Republic of Texas.

What are the visiting hours for Oakwood Cemetery?

The cemetery is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How large is the cemetery and how many burials are located there?

Oakwood Cemetery spans 40 acres and holds approximately 23,000 burials. About 15,000 of these burials have monuments marking their locations.

Are there maps or tours available for visitors?

Yes, maps of the grounds are available in both print and online formats. Additionally, staff members are available to greet and orient visitors for self-guided tours.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Oakwood Cemetery in Austin

Oakwood Cemetery

Established in 1839, Oakwood Cemetery is Austin's oldest city-owned cemetery. Spanning 40 acres, this historic resting place features a 1914 Gothic Revival chapel, diverse cultural sections, and the graves of many prominent early Texans.

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What to know

Established in 1839 when Austin was favored to be the capital of the Republic of Texas, Oakwood Cemetery is the oldest city-owned cemetery in Austin. Originally called City Cemetery, the site became the city's official burial ground in 1856 when the Texas Legislature legally transferred the property from state ownership to the City of Austin. Over the decades, the cemetery grew to encompass 40 acres, eventually being renamed Oakwood by city ordinance in 1907. In 1914, the city expanded the grounds by adding an 18-acre annex east of Comal Street. Today, the cemetery holds approximately 23,000 burials, with about 15,000 marked by monuments. The grounds are divided into sections 1 through 4, which historically include dedicated areas for Austin's Black, Latino, and Jewish populations. Notably, two Jewish sections have been owned and cared for by Temple Beth Israel since 1876. While all lots were sold long ago, burials still take place today for individuals who hold spaces in existing family lots. Among the cemetery's architectural highlights is its Gothic Revival chapel, located on Main Avenue. Designed by local architect Charles Page and constructed in 1914, the chapel serves as a focal point for visitors. The cemetery's deep historical significance earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, with its annex added to the register on October 30, 2003. Permanent care of the cemetery has been the responsibility of the Austin city government since 1970. As you wander the grounds, you will walk among the graves of many of Austin's most prominent and influential historical residents. The very first reported burial here was that of an enslaved person in 1839. Meanwhile, the earliest standing monument on the grounds dates back to 1842, erected to memorialize two men who were killed by Native Americans.

Visitor tips

Visit Wednesday through Sunday between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. when the cemetery is open to visitors.
Stop by to speak with staff who can greet you and help orient you for a self-guided tour.
Pick up a printed map of the grounds or access one online to easily navigate the 40-acre property.

Nearby context

Located at 1601 Navasota Street, Oakwood Cemetery lies just east of downtown Austin. Its historic 40-acre grounds and the adjacent 18-acre annex across Comal Street offer a quiet, green oasis that contrasts with the surrounding urban landscape, bridging Austin's early 19th-century frontier roots with its modern-day neighborhoods.

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