Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation
Oak Ridge Cemetery, the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, not only preserves the memories of those buried there; it simultaneously serves as an outdoor history museum, a sculpture garden, a nature oasis, and a space for meditation and reflection.
Cemeteries can be for the living as well as the dead. The Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation invites you to explore the historical and cultural treasures of Oak Ridge.
Welcome
Oak Ridge Cemetery is one of the most visited cemeteries in the United States. Most of those visitors, of course, come to see the tomb that houses the remains of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary and three of their children. But thousands of other people frequent Oak Ridge annually as well.
Aside from those visiting the graves of their relatives and friends – 78,000 people have been interred here since 1857 – Oak Ridge is used regularly by runners, walkers, and many people seeking a peaceful place for contemplation.
Special events at Oak Ridge include death-day commemorations for both Abraham and Mary Lincoln, the Sangamon County Historical Society’s annual Cemetery Walk, demonstrations by the 114th Illinois Infantry Regiment (reactivated), and others.
Experts from the Starhill Aboretum have designated more than 200 “Special Trees” at the cemetery, and the Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation sponsors a tree tour each fall. (See oakridgecemeterytrees.com for more about the cemetery’s trees, tours and more, including an educators’ section.) Rabbits, foxes, white-tail deer and other wildlife also make their homes on cemetery grounds.
Consider this an invitation to explore Oak Ridge beyond the Lincoln Tomb. We believe you’ll be enriched by the experience.
Upcoming Events
October 5th, 2025
2025 Cemetery Walk, sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society. Costumed interpreters portray personalities interred at Oak Ridge: Sunday, Oct. 5.
October 18th, 2025
The 12th annual tree tour, sponsored by the Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation, will be held on October 18th. This year’s tour is entitled “The Grand Valley Tree Tour and Fair at Oak Ridge Cemetery. This year a “green fair” will be added in addition to the tour. Organizations will be invited to give information about products or services that aide the environment or further information about trees and plants.
The Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation
The Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation, founded to preserve and enhance this living memorial, receives no tax dollars. We are supported by membership dues, donations and grants. We are a 501(c)3 organization; donations and gifts are tax-deductible.
Creation of this website was funded by grants from the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and an anonymous donor. Our thanks to them.
Website design: Cassandra Ostermeier
Research: Mike Kienzler
