Civil War to Civil Rights at Oak Woods Cemetery

Cannon with caisson at the Confederate mound.

Explore one of Chicago’s most important Victorian Park Cemeteries, Oak Woods on the south side.

Cannon with caisson at the Confederate mound.

See the largest burial ground of Confederate soldiers outside the south and discover why they are here in Chicago. Then, walk through this peaceful park space visiting the final resting places of some of the most important African Americans who fought for civil rights.

Meet

1035 E. 67th St., by the S. Greenwood Ave. gate

This large Victorian-era cemetery is the final resting place for prominent Chicagoans like Mayor Harold Washington and suffragist, civil rights activist and journalist Ida B. Wells Barnett. Many famous business leaders and athletes like Ebony publisher John Johnson and Olympian Jesse Owens are also visited on this tour.

A towering monument marks the burial spot of several thousand Confederate soldiers who died while being held prisoner at Camp Douglas.

This tour is the companion tour to Civil War and Chicago's Role: Rosehill Cemetery, but can be taken in any sequence.