Secrets of Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery

My son, Daniel and I go history hunting in Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery. Going deep diving into the Atlanta Constitution archives I discovered some things I never knew and you probably didn’t either! Buried treasure? An execution?

[@howdoyouroll]

I’m here in the Oakland cemetery right now and this video was great. Sitting on a bench right by the Women’s Comfort Station and wanted a video just like this. Thanks for making it!

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thank you, Benjamin! I am so happy that Oakland Cemetery is a living place, with lots of benches and walkways. There is so much history there! Thank you so much for watching and your kind comment!

[@maryg.249]

Always so fascinating the stories you uncover! Thank you for all the time you put into making these videos. I love them. Mary

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thank you, Mary! You are always so encouraging! I appreciate it!

[@perijetton9275]

Thank you for the video. It was super interesting!

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@chrismorgan283]

I was wondering how Kenny Rogers had a plot there, since there weren't any available, to my knowledge. That explains it. Back in the 70's and 80's, whenever I went there, Margaret Mitchell's headstone always had a big red ribbon and bow tied around it. I haven't seen it in a while, but I don't know why it stopped.

[@RagtopHistorian]

Chris, I have never seen a red ribbon around Margaret Mitchell's grave, but my guess it was probably by her family or a group of people paying homage to her. Thanks so much for the comment and for watching!!

[@timmcg1063]

Do u know if there is any more channels like yours. Can't get enough of GA history

[@perijetton9275]

Do you know about the Woolfolk murders in Macon Georgia? The most infamous crime in nineteenth-century Georgia occurred in Bibb County, about twelve miles west of Macon, in the early morning hours of August 6, 1887, when Tom Woolfolk (pronounced WUHL-fork) murdered nine members of his family with an ax.

[@timmcg1063]

@@perijetton9275 No. But about to Google it. That's just crazy

[@perijetton9275]

@@timmcg1063 it’s crazier than you think! I live Georgia History too.

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thank you! I am sure they are more videos on Georgia History ! I’ve got more coming your way too!

[@rosalindhillhouse9466]

Nissan was a Doctor but was visiting Atlanta when he died. A prominent Atlanta doctor is the one who severed his jugular vein.

[@rosalindhillhouse9466]

Sam Massell has passed. I believe it was March 2022, I don't recall if the death date has been added. Thank you, I am adding info, but I appreciate your efforts.

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thanks, yes he died after I filmed this. He was the first Atlanta mayor I remember growing up. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@perijetton9275]

PS: I went to Margret Mitchell elementary school!

[@RagtopHistorian]

How cool!

[@Americanwomancirca1969]

Do you still "wonder"/wander through the graveyard? I have a story to tell pertaining to the Robert F. & Nancy "Nannie" Foster Reynolds Maddox....I noticed you spotlighted their gravesite. Nannie Maddox was my great great-grandfather, Fletcher Purmedus Reynolds's sister. She and Col. Maddox collected my uncle and his family on the morning after the Fletcher and Isabella Robbins Reynolds home caught on fire in June of, 1879 in Jonesboro, Clayton County. It was in all of the papers including the Atlanta Constitutional as the glow of the fire could be seen for miles. Their 7 year old little girl, Alberta "Berta" Reynolds and F. Reynolds 16 year old sister in law, Mary Adelaide Robbins both perished in the fire while their parents and townsfolk watched helplessly as they could hear the little girl screaming, 'Pap!! Please help me!". Such a tragedy made even worse when years later their daughter Catherine 'Katie" Reynolds and Mrs. Maddox sister, Frances Reynolds Brown Merritt, both perished in a runaway carriage accident near their home in Marietta on October, 3, 1891. The home they lived in is known as the 1848 today. Colonel Maddox was at all four funerals. I tell you this tale, as I believe Mary and little Berta's graves may be in Oakland Cemetery. I can only find a picture of the tombstone and it is one small upright head stone with both girl's names : "MARY ROBBINS AGED 16 YEARS BERTA REYNOLDS AGED 7 YEARS" No dates. No cemetery location. I would love if you ever happen to stumble upon their resting place to see it documented in film. I am unable to make the trip to Georgia or I surely would be wandering around with you, searching, reflecting and payage homage to those who paved the way for all.of us. Thank you for documenting this beautiful and sacred place.

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m on it! I will look for them! What a great family history! Thanks for watching!

[@Americanwomancirca1969]

@@RagtopHistorian Thank you!! Like you, I have been scouring the Georgia Historic Newspaper for any bit of info I can find on, not only my history, but all of our history. So many interesting stories! I kick myself all of the time for not asking my grandparents more questions. I do remember my grandmother telling me that Bobby Jones the golfer was her cousin from the Judge Purmedus Reynolds from Covington, Newton County line...maybe a Walker was his mother? Anyway...I am loving your chanel!! Thank you so much!!