Oakland Cemetery News

Oakland Cemetery Preservation Society Reactivated for Preservation, Restoration

Monday, June 30, 2008 by Marilyn S. Joiner

A group of community preservationists has reactived the Oakland Cemetery Preservation Society, Inc. (OCPS) and has initiated a bold new plan to restore and preserve one of the most historic sites in northwest Louisiana.

Oakland Cemetery is located at the end of Elvis Presley Blvd (formerly Grand Avenue), across from the Municipal Auditorium near downtown Shreveport. Founded in 1849, it is the oldest cemetery in Shreveport.

The cemetery is a fabulous example of a garden park cemetery that was so popular during the 19th century, and, it is largely intact. While many persons are aware of the very high style 19th century garden cemeteries such as Mount Auburn, in Cambridge, Mass., most of the cemeteries that were common across the United States in the latter half of the 19th century were cemeteries analogous to Oakland Cemetery.

Very few of these cemeteries remain intact. Since Oakland for all intents and purposes was ‘closed’ by the turn of the century, our community has a remarkable opportunity to preserve one of the few remaining and largely unchanged cemeteries of this type in the country! Once preserved, the board is convinced that Oakland Cemetery will be a shining jewel in our community, able to draw local admiration and national appeal. This is not to mention the opportunity to celebrate the lives of many of the founders of our city.

Oakland Cemetery is maintained by the City of Shreveport. Currently, the City has initiated restoration of the entrance walls and gates. A company was contracted to replicate the pattern of the cemetery walls as part of a grant obtained by the City. That work has improved the initial appearance of Oakland.

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