Memorial Day Tour: Oakland and World War I

On April 6, 1917, Congress declared war on Germany and the United States officially entered World War I. Over four years, the total number of military and civilian casualties in the Great War climbed to over 38 million, with over 17 million killed and 20 million wounded. The United States mobilized over 4 million military personnel, a group that included many Atlantans. More than 500,000 Georgia men registered for the Selective Service Act and the state was home to more training camps than any other in the country. Several WWI veterans and citizens involved in the effort are buried at Oakland Cemetery.

This tour starts at the Front Gate (main entrance at Oakland Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive) at 1:00 PM. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the volunteer desk inside the Visitors Center (located in the parking lot) before meeting at the Front Gate.

Historic Oakland Foundation Members

Historic Oakland Foundation memberships include free tickets for special topic tours. Check your membership level before you purchase. Individual members receive one (1) ticket, dual members two (2) tickets, and family memberships four (4) tickets. Membership status will be confirmed before the tour.

Accessibility

Not all areas of Historic Oakland Cemetery are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you need an accessible route when purchasing your ticket. There is designated parking for vehicles with a disability permit behind the Bell Tower Building/Visitors Center. This is the best option for parking as the main entrance is paved with cobblestones, and both the East Gate and Memorial Drive Gate entrances have either a step or curb.

ASL interpreter available if given 3 days (72 hours) notice before the start of the tour.