Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1850 by the Atlanta City Council when it purchased six acres in the 14th district formerly of DeKalb County (later part of Fulton County), from land owner, Alfred W. Wooding. Additional acreage was added over subsequent years largely to accommodate the approximately 6,900 Civil War soldiers who died in local hospitals. First named Atlanta Graveyard or City Cemetery, Oakland Cemetery's name was adopted in 1872, by which time the cemetery was 48 acres. Bordered by Memorial Drive, Boulevard SE, Oakland Avenue, and the CSX rail line, the grounds of Oakland were designed in the rural garden cemetery style of the 19th century. Similar to future public parks, the grounds were landscaped with flowers, shrubs and shade trees, walkways, and were frequently visited for carriage rides and picnics. In 1870 the city's first greenhouse was established at Oakland. The cemetery also includes mausoleums and sculptures, built in many styles of architecture.

Oakland Cemetery is owned and maintained by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs and managed by a sexton. Oakland's layout reflects former social divisions with sections designated for whites, African Americans, people of Jewish faith, and paupers or people unable to pay for a private lot. Of the approximately 70,000 graves, many include Atlanta's well known citizens, political leaders, city developers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities; however, approximately 30,000 graves are unmarked. Beginning in 1937 the Works Progress Administration (WPA) organized and created comprehensive cemetery records for Oakland. They produced interment books, abstracts, microfilm, photocopies, and atlases to document lot ownership and interment data. With the assistance of the Temple, the WPA created the first compilation of designated Jewish interments in Oakland. By the 1970s, Oakland had deteriorated through neglect. Historic Oakland Cemetery Inc. (renamed Historic Oakland Foundation in 1994), a nonprofit friends organization, was created in 1976 to work with the City of Atlanta to restore, preserve, and enhance the cemetery. The foundation raises funds for restoration and beautification projects, and manages tours and events. Oakland was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.