Oak Hill Cemetery

In 1871 the City of Birmingham purchased from the Elyton Land Company 21.5 acres of land for a city cemetery (later named Oak Hill). The deed was issued December 29, 1873. As the first city cemetery, Oak Hill became the resting place for virtually all of the Birmingham pioneers. Oak Hill Cemetery has been placed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Oak Hill Cemetery was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 1977. It was the first cemetery in the State of Alabama to be listed on this prestigious register.

Interment records are now available online.

You are encouraged to to tour this historic site. Please observe cemetery etiquette. Cemeteries are collections of privately owned outdoor sculpture.

1. Please stay in the designated walkways, off cemetery lots and do not touch any memorials or artifacts.

2. Appreciate the memorials as they are. Do not add to, take away from, or modify a memorial in any way, even if you have exceptionally good taste. If it’s not yours, don’t touch it.

3. Show respect for the dead, their surviving families, and their loved ones. Do not intrude on memorial services. Do not bring alcohol, firearms, or entertainment items into the cemetery.

4. Keep your pets under your control on a leash and away from memorials and artifacts. Clean up after your pets.

5. Well-behaved children under the direct supervision of responsible adults are welcome. Teach children to respect cemeteries. Running, playing, and noisy activities are not appropriate in cemeteries.

6. Enjoy the natural peace and serenity of the cemetery. Do not litter and do not disturb the plants and wildlife that inhabit the site.

7. Know the rules and regulations and abide by them. Group activities, tours, and special events must be registered in advance. Promptly report any suspicious activities to the management.