Civil War to Civil Rights at Oak Woods Cemetery

  • Black cannon on wheels

    Cannon with caisson at the Confederate mound.

Explore this Victorian-era cemetery, visiting the final resting place of prominent Chicagoans and Confederate soldiers.
  • Black cannon on wheels

    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.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Cemeteries
Location
Southside
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.

Tour reviews

    • I had no idea that thousands of Confederate soldiers were buried in Chicago! I also didn’t realize Jesse Owens and other prominent athletes were also here. I certainly learned a lot about Chicago on this tour.
      AnonymousTour Attendee
    • This cemetery is one of the most interesting places in Chicago. It is the final resting place of everyone from Confederate soldiers to African American businesspeople, athletes and politicians. And we talk about it all on this tour!
      Mary Jo HoagCAC Docent
  • Headstone for Jesse Owens, Olympic Champion. Red/brown marble with olympic rings on either side.

    Grave of Jesse Owens.

  • Large dark brown crypt with 4 columns and 2 urns.

    Crypt of John H. and Eunice Johnson.

  • Large white monument with 12 smaller grave markers on grassy plain.

    Confederate Mound.

  • Large white monument with 12 smaller grave markers on grassy plain.

    Confederate Mound.

Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

Visit the Center