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New Live Oak Cemetery: A Chronicle in Stone

Discover Selma's past in a serene setting, where history and nature intertwine among the monuments and ancient trees of New Live Oak Cemetery.

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New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama, is a place of reflection and history. Established to expand the nearby Old Live Oak Cemetery, it mirrors Selma's cultural evolution with monuments to city leaders, Confederate soldiers, and everyday citizens. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a serene atmosphere for visitors exploring Selma's past.

A brief summary to New Live Oak Cemetery

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery grounds are extensive and require a fair amount of walking to explore fully.
  • Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as there are limited facilities for purchasing refreshments within the cemetery.
  • Consider visiting during the spring to witness the beautiful azaleas and dogwoods in bloom, adding a splash of color to the historic landscape.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Old Live Oak Cemetery and other historical sites in Selma to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's rich heritage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Selma Welcome Center at 1000 Selma Ave, head west on Selma Ave towards Broad St. Turn left onto Broad St and walk south for approximately 0.2 miles until you reach the intersection with W Dallas Ave. Turn right onto W Dallas Ave, and New Live Oak Cemetery will be on your left at 110 W Dallas Ave. The walk is approximately 0.7 miles.

  • Public Transport

    From the Selma Transit Center, board any bus heading towards downtown Selma. Request to get off at the stop near Broad St and W Dallas Ave. From there, walk west on W Dallas Ave, and you will see New Live Oak Cemetery located at 110 W Dallas Ave. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Selma (e.g., near the Edmund Pettus Bridge) to New Live Oak Cemetery is a short trip. Expect to pay around $8-$12, depending on the service and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Selma, head west on Dallas Avenue (Highway 22). The cemetery will be on your left. Limited parking is available on-site. Note that parking during peak visitation times, such as memorial events, may be challenging.

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Discover more about New Live Oak Cemetery

New Live Oak Cemetery, coexisting with the older Live Oak Cemetery, offers a profound glimpse into the heart of Selma, Alabama, a city steeped in history and pivotal moments in the American narrative. While often considered an extension of the renowned Old Live Oak Cemetery, New Live Oak possesses its own distinct character and collection of stories, contributing to the collective memory of the region. Founded to accommodate the growing needs of a burgeoning city, New Live Oak mirrors the social and cultural shifts that have shaped Selma since the mid-19th century. As you enter its gates, you're immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of solemnity and respect, a feeling amplified by the presence of towering live oak trees, their branches heavy with Spanish moss, creating an ethereal canopy overhead. These ancient trees, silent witnesses to generations past, lend an air of timelessness to the landscape, inviting contemplation and reflection. The cemetery's layout is a fascinating study in Victorian-era funerary art and social stratification. Elaborate headstones, obelisks, and mausoleums stand as monuments to the city's elite, their intricate carvings and inscriptions offering glimpses into the lives and legacies of Selma's prominent families. Confederate soldiers rest in designated sections, their graves marked by simple, uniform headstones, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War. Interspersed among these grand displays are the more modest markers of everyday citizens, their stories no less important, their lives woven into the fabric of Selma's community. Notable figures interred within New Live Oak contribute to its historical significance. While Old Live Oak is famed for housing the remains of Vice President William Rufus King and Confederate General John Tyler Morgan, New Live Oak holds its own share of individuals who left their mark on Selma and beyond. Beyond its historical value, New Live Oak serves as a sanctuary of natural beauty. The meticulously maintained grounds are a testament to the ongoing care and respect afforded to this sacred space.

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