This 130-Year-Old Atlanta Landmark is Looking Good as New
Slide to see the gate before and after the restoration
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression," as the saying goes. For many visitors, Oakland Cemetery's iconic red-brick gate is their first glimpse of our 48-acre historic site.
To make sure that first impression is as striking as the rest of the grounds, we launched a fundraising campaign beginning in 2025 and embarked on a full-scale restoration of this beloved Atlanta landmark.
Built in 1896, the gate has welcomed generations of visitors for more than 130 years. Time, however, had taken its toll. Environmental grime, white staining, structural damage, cracked brickwork, impact damage, and missing granite caps had all diminished the appearance and integrity of the historic entrance. In fact, the last major restoration of Oakland's iconic archway and gate took place in the 1960s.
Working alongside Landmark Preservation, we carefully restored the gate through a comprehensive, several-weeks-long preservation project that included cleaning, microabrasion, structural repairs, and masonry restoration. New custom granite caps were installed atop the arch, while the historic iron gates were repaired, restored, and repainted to their former beauty.
As a final touch to make the site picture-perfect, the overhead power lines that once crossed in front of the gate were buried, creating an unobstructed view of Oakland's grand entrance. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, be sure to stop, snap a photo, and experience the newly restored gate for yourself.
“Restoring Oakland’s gate was an extensive project, but a truly rewarding one,” said Oakland’s Director of Preservation, Michael Wettlaufer. “The newly restored gate reminds visitors that while Oakland is a historic site, with the proper care and resources invested, its monuments, sculptures, and headstones can remain in excellent condition for visitors to appreciate and learn from for years to come.”
This historic restoration was made possible through the generosity of many supporters. We are especially grateful to the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation, The Gable Foundation, and The Imlay Foundation for their generous support in preserving one of Oakland Cemetery's most recognizable landmarks for generations to come.
To learn more about preservation at Oakland, or to donate to our preservation projects, visit oaklandcemetery.com/preservation-and-restoration.
