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Oakland Cemetery is located in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama just off interstate I-20/59 at the intersection of Warrior and Pike Roads near Fairfield. It has about 6,500 burials, including many folks who came from Italy to work in the coal mines, foundries, and steel mills of the Magic City. The first burial took place in 1884 at a small church located in the section now known as the “Old Church Department.” (Back then, it was called Oakland Methodist Episcopal Church. The church moved in 1908 and is now known as Central Park United Methodist Church.) Another section, “The Garden of Peace,” became the first burial ground for military veterans established in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Grave information can be obtained the cemetery office (1300 Warrior Road, 205-785-8143). Calling ahead if coming from long distances is recommended to ensure arrival when someone is there to help. The cemetery's regular hours are generally Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4 pm. The staff is small, so the possibility of them not being available due to funerals etc. exists. First and last names of the deceased and their date of death, along with the names of their parents and/or spouse(s), should be provided at the time of visitation.