Oaklawn Cemetery: Tampa's Historic Burial Ground

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Explore Tampa's history at Oaklawn Cemetery, the city's first public burial ground and final resting place of notable figures since 1850.

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Oaklawn Cemetery

Oaklawn Cemetery, Tampa's oldest public burial ground dating back to 1850, offers a glimpse into the city's past. Located in the heart of downtown, it's the final resting place for notable figures, including Tampa's first mayor, Judge Joseph B. Lancaster, and Vicente Martinez Ybor, the founder of Ybor City.

A brief summary to Oaklawn Cemetery

606 E Harrison St, Tampa, Downtown, Florida, 33602, US
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

Take a self-guided walking tour to explore the notable gravesites and learn about the history of Tampa's pioneers.
Visit during the cooler morning hours to avoid the Florida heat and humidity.
Paid street parking is available on E. Harrison Street.

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Getting There

Walking

Oaklawn Cemetery is located in downtown Tampa, at 606 E Harrison St, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest. From the Tampa Riverwalk, head east on E Kennedy Blvd, then turn left onto N Morgan St. Walk one block north, then turn right onto E Harrison St. The cemetery will be on your right.
Public Transport

Several bus routes serve the area around Oaklawn Cemetery. Check the HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the Marion Transit Center, several routes will get you within a short walking distance of the cemetery. A single ride fare is $2.00 [https://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/2023/09/28/hillsborough-hart-bus-fares-increase/].
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Tampa. A short ride from the Tampa Riverwalk or the Channelside District to Oaklawn Cemetery will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

Discover more about Oaklawn Cemetery

Established in 1850 when Tampa was a small town, Oaklawn Cemetery is the city's first public burial ground. Originally designated as a final resting place for 'white and slave, rich and poor,' it reflects the diverse social fabric of early Tampa. The cemetery provides a unique look into Tampa's history, with around 1,700 graves, including those of thirteen city mayors, a Florida governor, and two Florida Supreme Court justices. Located in downtown Tampa, Oaklawn comprises two adjoining cemeteries: the city-owned Oaklawn and the Catholic-owned St. Louis Cemetery. St. Louis Cemetery, established in 1874, holds the remains of Vicente Martinez Ybor and several pioneer priests. Over time, the cemetery fell into disrepair, with wooden grave markers succumbing to the elements and the original plat being misplaced after the Civil War. In 2017, Oaklawn Cemetery was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the grounds and discover the stories of Tampa's pioneers, Confederate soldiers, and victims of yellow fever epidemics.

Explore the best of what Oaklawn Cemetery has to offer

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