Oak Woods Cemetery, located in the Greater Grand Crossing area on Chicago’s South Side, is one of the city’s oldest and most culturally significant cemeteries. Established in 1853, this 183-acre resting place has been a site of reverence, history, and architectural beauty for over 170 years. With more than 60,000 graves, Oak Woods Cemetery holds the remains of some of America’s most notable figures, as well as thousands of ordinary Chicagoans whose lives contributed to the fabric of the city. The cemetery also serves as a place of remembrance for Civil War soldiers, particularly at the Confederate Mound, one of the largest mass graves in the United States.
This article provides a comprehensive look into the history, notable burials, and visitor experience at Oak Woods Cemetery, a historic treasure of Chicago.
Oak Woods Cemetery
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| Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, IL Source: Wikipedia |
History of Oak Woods Cemetery
Oak Woods Cemetery was chartered on February 12, 1853, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in Chicago. Designed by landscape architect Adolph Strauch, it was envisioned as a "landscape-lawn cemetery," a design that was innovative at the time. Strauch’s design emphasized open, natural landscapes with rolling hills, curving pathways, and carefully planned drainage systems. Unlike traditional cemeteries filled with individual plots and fences, Oak Woods was created to feel like a cohesive and peaceful natural park, where visitors could walk and reflect in a serene setting.
The first burial at Oak Woods took place in 1860, and over time, the cemetery became the final resting place for thousands of individuals, including many of Chicago’s most famous residents. After the American Civil War (1861–1865), Oak Woods Cemetery became particularly significant as it welcomed the remains of Confederate prisoners of war who died at Camp Douglas, a Union prison camp in Chicago. This reburial of Confederate soldiers led to the establishment of the Confederate Mound, one of Oak Woods’ most recognized monuments.
Confederate Mound: A Historical Monument
One of the most distinctive and historically important features of Oak Woods Cemetery is the Confederate Mound. This monument stands as a somber reminder of the Civil War and the many lives lost on both sides of the conflict. Camp Douglas, located on Chicago’s South Side, was one of the largest Union prison camps during the Civil War. Thousands of Confederate soldiers were held there, and many died from harsh conditions, inadequate medical care, and disease.
The bodies of these Confederate prisoners were originally buried at Chicago’s City Cemetery but were later moved to Oak Woods when City Cemetery was closed and redeveloped after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. At Oak Woods, these remains were reburied in a large mass grave, known as the Confederate Mound. Estimates suggest that over 4,000 Confederate soldiers are buried in concentric trenches around the mound, though some historical sources estimate the number to be as high as 6,000.
The Confederate Mound Monument was erected with the help of former Kentucky Lieutenant Governor John C. Underwood, who advocated for a proper memorial for the Confederate dead. Today, the Confederate Mound is recognized as one of the largest mass graves in the Western Hemisphere, serving as both a historical landmark and a place of reflection for the Civil War’s legacy.
In 1896, in response to the Confederate monument, Thomas D. Lowther, a pre-war Southerner and abolitionist, erected a nearby cenotaph honoring "unknown heroic men" who opposed slavery and disunion.
Notable Burials at Oak Woods Cemetery
Oak Woods Cemetery (Wikipedia) is the final resting place of a diverse array of individuals who shaped Chicago, the United States, and the world. From civil rights activists to scientists, athletes, and political leaders, the cemetery is home to a remarkable collection of historical figures. Here are some of the most notable burials:
Politicians and Public Figures
1. Harold Washington (1922–1987) - The first African American Mayor of Chicago, Washington was a transformative figure in Chicago’s political scene, remembered for his dedication to civil rights and efforts toward racial inclusivity.
2. Eugene Sawyer (1934–2008) - Sawyer served as Chicago’s second African American Mayor, following Washington’s passing. His tenure was marked by his calm approach and commitment to continuing Washington's policies.
3. William Hale Thompson (1869–1944) - Known as “Big Bill,” Thompson served as Mayor of Chicago and is remembered as one of the city's most colorful and controversial political figures.
4. James Hutchinson Woodworth (1804–1869) - Mayor of Chicago from 1848 to 1850, Woodworth is remembered for his contributions to early Chicago and its development.
5. John Marshall Hamilton (1847–1905) - The 18th Governor of Illinois, Hamilton’s tenure was marked by a focus on economic and educational reform.
Civil Rights Leaders and Social Reformers
1. Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) - A pioneering journalist, activist, and one of the foremost leaders in the fight against lynching, Wells was a crucial figure in the early civil rights movement. She was also an advocate for women’s rights.
2. Ferdinand Lee Barnett (1852–1936) - A lawyer, civil rights advocate, and the husband of Ida B. Wells, Barnett was instrumental in promoting African American civil rights in Chicago.
3. S. Grace Nicholes (1870–1922) - Known as a social reformer, Nicholes was dedicated to issues concerning women’s rights and welfare.
4. Clarence H. Cobbs (1908–1979) - Founder of the First Church of Deliverance, Cobbs was a prominent pastor and social advocate within Chicago’s African American community.
Artists, Musicians, and Writers
1. Thomas A. Dorsey (1899–1993) - Known as the “Father of Gospel Music,” Dorsey is recognized for blending blues and gospel, creating a new and lasting genre in American music.
2. Albertina Walker (1929–2010) - Known as the “Queen of Gospel,” Walker’s contributions to gospel music are widely celebrated, and her influence is felt across generations of musicians.
3. Otis Clay (1942–2016) - A celebrated blues and soul singer, Clay’s music contributed significantly to Chicago’s rich musical heritage.
4. Junior Wells (1934–1998) - A renowned blues musician, Wells helped define the Chicago blues scene with his harmonica playing and energetic performances.
5. Nancy Green (1834–1923) - Known for being the first woman to portray “Aunt Jemima,” Green was a storyteller, cook, and activist, using her platform to speak about African American culture and heritage.
Scientists and Academics
1. Enrico Fermi (1901–1954) - A Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Fermi is known for creating the world’s first nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago, an achievement that marked the beginning of the atomic age.
2. Dorothy Hansine Andersen (1901–1963) - A pioneering physician and researcher, Andersen is credited with identifying and describing cystic fibrosis, significantly advancing medical knowledge.
3. Gary Becker (1930–2014) - An economist and Nobel Prize laureate, Becker's work transformed the field of economics, introducing new perspectives on topics like human behavior and decision-making.
4. Henry Chandler Cowles (1869–1939) - A professor of botany at the University of Chicago, Cowles was a pioneer in the field of ecology and conservation, recognized for his work in studying plant communities.
5. Norman Golb (1928–2020) - A historian known for his studies on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Golb was a prominent academic figure at the University of Chicago.
6. Maud Slye (1879–1954) - A pathologist at the University of Chicago, Slye’s work in cancer research contributed to significant advances in understanding genetics and cancer.
Athletes and Sports Figures
1. Jesse Owens (1913–1980) - Owens was an Olympic track and field champion who famously won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, challenging Hitler’s propaganda on racial superiority.
2. Cap Anson (1852–1922) - A Major League Baseball player and Hall of Famer, Anson was one of the early legends of baseball.
3. Walter Eckersall (1886–1930) - Known for his contributions to college football, Eckersall was an all-American quarterback and later a respected sportswriter.
4. Kenesaw Mountain Landis (1866–1944) - The first Commissioner of Baseball, Landis is remembered for his role in restoring the integrity of baseball following the Black Sox scandal.
5. Ben Wilson (1967–1984) - Known as one of Chicago’s top high school basketball players, Wilson’s tragic death at the age of 17 had a significant impact on the city and the sport.
Business Leaders and Innovators
1. John H. Johnson (1918–2005) - Founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, Johnson was a major figure in publishing, providing a platform for African American stories and voices in mainstream media.
2. Eunice W. Johnson (1916–2010) - Business magnate and the wife of John H. Johnson, Eunice played a crucial role in expanding the Ebony and Jet brands and was instrumental in founding the Ebony Fashion Fair.
3. Adolphus C. Bartlett (1844–1922) - A businessman and philanthropist, Bartlett contributed to Chicago’s economic and social development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Crime Figures and Mobsters
1. James “Big Jim” Colosimo (1878–1920) - The original boss of the Chicago Outfit, Colosimo was one of the early figures in organized crime in Chicago.
2. Willie Stokes (1937–1986) - Known as “Flukey Stokes,” he was a prominent Chicago mobster in the 1970s and 1980s.
3. Jake Guzik (1886–1956) - Known as “Greasy Thumb,” Guzik was a gangster and accountant for Al Capone, contributing to the financial success of the Chicago Outfit.
Notable Women in History
1. Eunice W. Johnson (1916–2010) - Business leader and philanthropist, Johnson left a lasting legacy in both publishing and fashion through her involvement with Ebony and the Ebony Fashion Fair.
2. Maud Slye (1879–1954) - A pathologist and cancer researcher at the University of Chicago, Slye’s work was instrumental in the early understanding of cancer genetics.
3. Dorothy Hansine Andersen (1901–1963) - A medical researcher who identified cystic fibrosis, Andersen’s contributions to medicine were groundbreaking, and her legacy remains impactful.
Sections and Special Features of Oak Woods Cemetery
Veterans’ Section
Oak Woods Cemetery includes a section for U.S. veterans, honoring those who served in various American conflicts. This area is a place of respect and remembrance, particularly on national holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Jewish Burial Section
The cemetery also has a dedicated Jewish burial section, reflecting Chicago’s rich multicultural history and serving the local Jewish community.
Family Mausoleums and Unique Monuments
The cemetery’s rolling hills and landscaped paths are dotted with ornate family mausoleums and unique monuments. These structures often reflect Victorian-era designs and are notable for their architectural beauty and symbolism. Many of Chicago’s prominent families have memorials here, making this section a fascinating aspect of the cemetery.
Visiting Oak Woods Cemetery
Essential Information for Visitors
For those interested in exploring Oak Woods Cemetery, here is essential information:
- Address: 1035 E. 67th Street, Chicago, Illinois
- Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Website: Oak Woods Cemetery on Find a Grave
The Hyde Park Historical Society created an interactive directory application for Oak Woods Cemetery in 2022, allowing visitors to locate specific graves and monuments with ease. The cemetery is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to maintain respect for the graves and monuments as they explore.
Tours and Interactive Resources
Visitors can pick up a free walking tour map at the cemetery office, which highlights significant gravesites and monuments. The Hyde Park Historical Society has also created an interactive online directory of the cemetery’s monuments, allowing visitors to explore its history digitally.
Accessibility
The cemetery is accessible to all visitors, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking available. The natural landscape does include some uneven terrain, so visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and to be cautious on sloped pathways.
Reviews and Visitor Experiences
Oak Woods Cemetery receives positive reviews for its scenic and peaceful grounds, as well as its deep historical connections. Many visitors comment on the sense of tranquility they feel while walking among the graves of significant historical figures, war heroes, and cultural icons. The cemetery’s abundant greenery and carefully maintained landscape make it a welcoming destination for those interested in history, genealogy, or a quiet moment of reflection.
Conclusion
Oak Woods Cemetery is more than a burial ground; it is a repository of Chicago’s cultural and historical legacy. From the Confederate Mound to the graves of civil rights pioneers like Ida B. Wells and city leaders like Harold Washington, Oak Woods Cemetery holds countless stories that reflect the trials, triumphs, and transformations of America. With its beautifully landscaped grounds, historically significant monuments, and rich diversity of notable burials, Oak Woods Cemetery is a site worth visiting for anyone interested in the history of Chicago and the legacies of those who shaped it.
Whether you’re seeking to pay respects, learn about Chicago’s past, or simply enjoy a tranquil walk through one of the city’s oldest cemeteries, Oak Woods Cemetery offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty with deep historical significance.
