Self Guided Historic Tours
Photos Courtesy of Eric Kozen
There are 367 unknown Confederate Soldiers buried in this lot that were killed during the Civil War. The monument was erected by The Ladies Memorial Association which merged and became part of the Cape Fear Chapter #3 Daughters of the Confederacy. Located in the middle of Section K.
A river boat Captain, and his faithful friend “Boss”, his dog lost their lives April 11, 1880 while helping fight a disastrous fire at Front and Dock Streets. A monument erected to his memory by the many citizens and friends of Wilmington. A relief of the dog is on the back of the monument which reads “faithful unto death”. Located in Section J; Lot # 32.
North Carolinas first Governor elected by popular vote. Located in Section D; Lot # 77.
Architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.. Located in Section D; Lot # 20.
Confederate Secret Services Agent, drowned off the coast of Fort Fisher while running a blockade. Located in Section D; Lot # 18.
The first interment in Oakdale Cemetery, February 1855. She was the daughter of Dr. Armand J. DeRosset, the first president of Oakdale Cemetery. Located in Section D; Lot # 12.
Slain in a duel stemming from a local political election in 1856. A memorial was erected by the Democratic Association. This is believed to be the last man killed in the South in a political duel. Located in Section B; Lot # 30.
While on a voyage with her brother in May of 1857, Nancy became ill and died near Cuba. Her body was placed in a large cask filled with rum and the returned to Wilmington. Four months later on September 12th, her brother continued with the family business of lumber shipments to Cuba and became victim of a large hurricane that destroyed his vessel soon after departure from Wilmington never to be seen again.. Her grave is marked with a simple rustic cross that bears her name “Nance” by which she was called. Her brother has a simple message carved on the family obelisk stating “lost at sea.” Located in Section B; Lot # 78.
A pioneer of broadcast journalism, best known as co-host for NBC’s weekly “Huntley-Brinkley Report” from 1956-1970. Located in Section R; Lot # 6.
This area is known as the “Public Grounds” which served the general public who may not have had a family lot in Oakdale. Between August and December of 1862, Yellow Fever inflicted Wilmington with nearly 1500 reported cases. This area holds nearly 400 bodies that succumbed to this epidemic.
Originator of Finger Painting. Ruth researched and came up with the safe use of paints for children in the 1930s and continued to promote Finger Painting as a beginning of art expression the rest of her life until she passed in 1968 Buried in Section N Lot #33
