Spirits of Oakwood Cemetery Tour

Spirits of Oakwood Cemetery Tour

The Oakwood Cemetery Restoration Committee is presenting the "Spirits of Oakwood Tour" from 1:30 to 6 p.m. April 4 at the cemetery, located at the corner of Palace and Oakwood streets.

Some of these people will be brought to life at the Spirits of Oakwood Tour. A variety of intriguing tales will be presented at designated grave markers by individuals who will become that person, and will present their life story. The event is intended to be entertaining and historical. The presenters will be dressed in period clothing.

Tours will begin approximately every 15 minutes, and will be led by a tour guide dressed in period attire. The cost is $5 per person; children under age 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking will be available across the street at the True Vine Baptist Church. Parking attendants will direct you to the main entrance of the cemetery.

Oakwood Cemetery is a city maintained cemetery, but the city is barred from spending public money for the repair of broken markers. Over a period of time many of the markershave been broken. The Oakwood Cemetery Restoration Committee began the 'Spirits of Oakwood' tours as a way to raise the needed funds for the repairs, to educate people about the history of Tyler and Smith County, and to let them see that the cemetery is a place in which all Tylerites should be very proud.

For more information, call Mrs. Maxine Herbst at 903-593-4642, or cemeterian Jerry Wilson at 903-531-1207.

Links to material on Oakwood Cemetery, Tyler, Smith County, Texas:
History of Oakwood Cemetery
Map of Oakwood Cemetery - Key to map
Decoration of Confederate Graves circa 1899
History of the Confederate Monument
Confederate Monument
Listing of Marker - Plots 1-4 & Jewish Section and Plot 5 & Unmarked Graves
Photos of Tombstones