In 1859 Edbert Bagg of Utica, New York was paid $150 to design Oakland Cemetery. Cemeteries had been in the middle of the towns and now were being built on hillsides on the edge of towns. It was a park like atmosphere to be used for picnics, walks, enjoying nature, as well as for mourning their loved ones. Oakland Cemetery is the resting place of many of Fort Dodge founders. It is home to over 60
Civil War Soldiers. In 1890 local sculptor, William Pollock, used red granite to erect the Civil War Monument in memory of the unknown soldiers of the Union Army buried here. In 2000 Oakland Cemetery was put on the National Registry of Historic places. Jerry and Marva Rowe recorded the 7,700 people buried in Oakland. It is estimated there are over 500 people buried in Potter's field with only ten percent having markers. Jerry and Marva were the founders of the Friends of Oakland Cemetery and in 2003 started the annual Oakland Cemetery walk that continues today. The goals of the Friends of Oakland Cemetery are:
1. Teach the history of Oakland Cemetery to all ages
2. Clean and repair headstones in the cemetery
3. Buy and install GAR medallions for Civil War graves
4. Encourage the public to volunteer & appreciate this historic cemetery
