Oak Ridge in Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Oak Ridge Cemetery's Original Entrance

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020

1. Oak Ridge Cemetery's Original Entrance Marker

Inscription. Following a trend by many cities to relocate their cemeteries beyond the city limits to avoid encroachment, the City of Springfield in May of 1856 passed an ordinance to create Oak Ridge Cemetery. Situated two miles north of the Capitol building, the cemetery was originally located on just over twenty-eight acres that contained rolling hills and was dotted with clusters of various species of oak trees which offered an idyllic setting. This gate, situated in a narrow valley dividing the property that emphasized the grandeur of its surroundings, remained a solemn witness not only to the scores of funerals it would host but also its most famous funeral: that of President Abraham Lincoln on May 4th, 1865. In 1899, the entrance to Oak Ridge was reoriented from the east to the south to take advantage of the newly paved Monument Avenue, and this entrance would be relegated to pedestrian traffic only. In 2014, this replica of the original archway and main gate were installed, officially reopening this entrance.

Erected 2014 by Trigard.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites.

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In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1856.

Location. 39° 49.46′ N, 89° 39.235′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Oak Ridge. It can be reached from Monument Avenue. It can be accessed from North 1st Street (across from Lincoln Park), depending on if the gate is open to the pathway in the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1441 Monument Avenue, Springfield IL 62702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Revolutionary War Patriots (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Abraham Lincoln (about 400 feet away); Oak Ridge Cemetery Arch

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020

2. Oak Ridge Cemetery's Original Entrance Marker

(about 400 feet away); This Vault (about 500 feet away); First Resting Place of Abraham Lincoln (about 600 feet away); The Temporary Vault (about 600 feet away); Reconstruction and Renovation (about 700 feet away); Abraham Lincoln's Tomb (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Lincoln Descendants (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Some Exterior Features (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Oak Ridge Cemetery's Original Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020

3. Oak Ridge Cemetery's Original Entrance

Marker is outside the gate. This was taken from inside the cemetery.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.