Introduction

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a city steeped in layered history—from its origins as a Creek Nation settlement to its rise as the Oil Capital of the World. Amid its bustling streets and modern skyline lie quiet, sacred spaces that preserve the memory of generations: historical cemeteries. These resting places are more than burial grounds; they are open-air archives, reflecting the social, racial, religious, and economic fabric of a city that has endured revolution, tragedy, and resilience. Yet not all cemeteries are equally maintained, documented, or accessible. In a region where records have been lost, boundaries blurred, and neglect crept into forgotten corners, trust becomes essential. This guide presents the Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Tulsa You Can Trust—sites verified through decades of preservation efforts, community stewardship, archival research, and public accessibility. These are the cemeteries where history is not just remembered, but honored with integrity.

Why Trust Matters

When exploring historical cemeteries, trust is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Many burial grounds across Tulsa, particularly those serving marginalized communities, were neglected for decades due to systemic disinvestment, racial segregation, and lack of institutional support. Some were abandoned, vandalized, or even erased by urban development. Others, though physically intact, lack proper documentation, making genealogical research or historical verification nearly impossible. Trust in a cemetery means knowing that the graves are accurately marked, the grounds are respectfully maintained, records are preserved and accessible, and the stories of those buried there are not lost to time. It means the site has been recognized by local historical societies, supported by dedicated volunteers, and, where applicable, listed on state or national heritage registers. Trust also implies ethical stewardship: no commercial exploitation, no disrespectful tourism, no erasure of cultural identity. The cemeteries on this list have passed rigorous criteria: verified grave records, active preservation programs, public access, historical significance, and community recognition. They are not merely places of death—they are living monuments to Tulsa’s soul.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Tulsa

1. Oaklawn Cemetery

Established in 1880, Oaklawn Cemetery is the oldest continuously operating cemetery in Tulsa and the final resting place of many of the city’s founding families. Located just south of downtown, its rolling hills and mature oaks create a serene, park-like atmosphere. The cemetery was originally owned by the City of Tulsa and later transferred to a private nonprofit trust that continues to maintain it with strict adherence to historical standards. Over 15,000 individuals are interred here, including early mayors, oil pioneers, railroad builders, and Civil War veterans. The cemetery’s original stone markers, many carved by hand, remain largely intact. In 2010, a comprehensive digital inventory was completed, cross-referencing headstone inscriptions with city archives, church records, and newspaper obituaries. Oaklawn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts annual guided tours led by volunteer historians. Its trustworthiness stems from transparent recordkeeping, regular restoration of deteriorating monuments, and community-led fundraising for preservation.

2. Greenwood Cemetery

Greenwood Cemetery is the most culturally significant African American burial ground in Tulsa and a cornerstone of the city’s Black history. Founded in 1905 by members of the thriving Greenwood District, it served as the primary burial site for Black residents during the era of segregation when other cemeteries denied them access. The cemetery survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, when homes and businesses were burned, but the graves remained undisturbed—a quiet act of resistance. Many of those buried here were entrepreneurs, educators, nurses, and ministers who built one of the most prosperous Black communities in America. Headstones are often simple, but some feature intricate carvings and family epitaphs that speak to resilience. In 2018, the Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Society was formed to restore markers, clear overgrowth, and digitize burial records. Today, the site is maintained by a coalition of descendants, historians, and local universities. Its trustworthiness lies in its unbroken lineage of community care and its role as a sacred site of memory, not just mourning.

3. Mount Zion Cemetery

Mount Zion Cemetery, established in the late 1890s, is one of the few remaining historic African American cemeteries in Tulsa that has retained its original boundaries and much of its early headstone collection. Located near the intersection of 11th Street and Cincinnati Avenue, it was originally affiliated with Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the oldest Black congregations in the city. The cemetery holds the graves of several church founders, early schoolteachers, and laborers who contributed to the growth of the Black community. Unlike many other cemeteries of its era, Mount Zion never fell into complete disrepair thanks to the consistent efforts of the church’s deacon board. In 2005, a volunteer team from the Oklahoma Historical Society mapped every grave using GPS and archival photos. The site has since received grants for stone cleaning, fencing repair, and the installation of interpretive signage. Mount Zion’s trustworthiness is rooted in its institutional continuity and its refusal to be forgotten, even when the city around it changed dramatically.

4. Fairview Cemetery

Fairview Cemetery, founded in 1898, is one of the largest and most diverse burial grounds in Tulsa, serving multiple ethnic and religious communities. It was established by a coalition of German, Irish, and Scandinavian immigrants who pooled resources to create a non-denominational space where all could be buried with dignity. The cemetery features a wide array of architectural styles—from Celtic crosses to obelisks to family mausoleums—and includes sections for Masons, Odd Fellows, and early Jewish families. Fairview is notable for its well-preserved 19th-century ironwork gates and original stone pathways. In the 1970s, the cemetery faced threats of redevelopment, but a grassroots campaign led by local genealogists and descendants successfully petitioned for its inclusion on the Oklahoma Historic Registry. Today, it is managed by the Fairview Heritage Foundation, which conducts biannual cleanups, digitizes burial records, and hosts educational workshops on cemetery preservation. Its trustworthiness is demonstrated by its inclusive history and the sustained, non-profit stewardship that protects its legacy.

5. Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

Established in 1907, Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery is the oldest Catholic burial ground in Tulsa and the spiritual resting place for generations of German, Polish, and Irish Catholic families who came to work on the railroads and oil fields. The cemetery is adjacent to the historic Saint Mary’s Church, and its layout follows traditional Catholic ecclesiastical design, with rows of uniform headstones and a central chapel. Many of the graves are marked with Latin inscriptions and religious iconography, including crucifixes and saints’ symbols. The cemetery has been continuously maintained by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, which has invested in restoration projects, including the repair of crumbling stone walls and the reinstallation of lost crosses. In 2015, a full digital archive of all burial records was completed and made available online through the diocese’s historical office. Saint Mary’s is trusted not only for its institutional consistency but for its role in preserving the religious heritage of Tulsa’s immigrant communities.

6. Indianola Cemetery

Indianola Cemetery, located in the historic Indianola neighborhood, is one of the few remaining burial grounds associated with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Tulsa. Established in the 1870s after the forced relocation of Creek people to Indian Territory, it served as a sacred space for both Native and mixed-heritage families. The cemetery contains unmarked graves, traditional mound burials, and a few carved stone markers bearing Creek names and clan symbols. Unlike many urban cemeteries, Indianola was never formally surveyed or mapped by the city, making its preservation even more remarkable. In 2012, the Muscogee Nation Historic Preservation Office partnered with the University of Tulsa to conduct ground-penetrating radar surveys and oral history interviews with descendants. Their findings confirmed over 400 interments, many of which had been undocumented for over a century. The site is now protected under tribal law and maintained by a council of elders. Its trustworthiness comes from cultural sovereignty—the recognition that this land belongs to the people whose ancestors rest here, and that their traditions must guide its care.

7. Riverside Cemetery

Riverside Cemetery, founded in 1892, lies along the banks of the Arkansas River and is one of Tulsa’s most picturesque burial grounds. It was originally the private cemetery of the Riverside Land Company, but quickly became open to the public as the city expanded. The cemetery is notable for its large number of Victorian-era monuments, including angel statues, weeping willows carved in stone, and ornate iron fences. Many of the graves belong to early Tulsa merchants, bankers, and civic leaders. In the 1980s, the cemetery suffered from neglect and vandalism, but a revival began in 1995 when the Tulsa Historical Society launched a “Grave by Grave” restoration project. Volunteers cleaned headstones, re-erected fallen markers, and restored the original iron gate. In 2017, a complete database of interments was published, linking names to city directories, census records, and newspaper archives. Riverside is now recognized as a model for urban cemetery revitalization. Its trustworthiness stems from decades of meticulous, community-driven restoration and transparent recordkeeping.

8. Mount Hope Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery, established in 1910, is one of the few historically Black cemeteries in Tulsa that was intentionally designed with a garden aesthetic, reflecting early 20th-century ideals of “rural cemetery” movement principles. Located in the historic all-Black community of North Tulsa, it was founded by the Mount Hope Burial Association, a group of civic-minded Black men and women determined to provide a dignified resting place for their community. The cemetery features a central walkway lined with pecan trees and a small chapel built in 1922. Many of the graves are marked with simple granite slabs, but several feature hand-carved portraits of the deceased, a rare art form in early African American cemeteries. Mount Hope was nearly lost to urban sprawl in the 1960s, but a coalition of local churches and descendants formed the Mount Hope Preservation League, which secured state funding for restoration. Today, the cemetery is maintained by a nonprofit trust that offers educational programs on African American funerary traditions. Its trustworthiness is built on intergenerational commitment and the preservation of cultural memory through physical space.

9. Bethel Cemetery

Bethel Cemetery, located just outside the original city limits of Tulsa, was established in 1885 by the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is one of the earliest known African American cemeteries in the region and contains the graves of formerly enslaved individuals who settled in the area after the Civil War. The cemetery’s earliest markers were wooden crosses, most of which have long since deteriorated. However, in the 1930s, descendants began replacing them with concrete slabs inscribed with names and dates. In 2008, a team from Oklahoma State University conducted an archaeological survey and identified over 200 burial plots using soil disturbance patterns and historical maps. The cemetery was officially recognized by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 2013, and a commemorative plaque was installed. Today, the cemetery is maintained by the Bethel Church congregation and a group of volunteer historians who hold annual remembrance ceremonies. Its trustworthiness lies in its authenticity as a site of post-emancipation African American life, preserved by those who remember.

10. Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery

Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, founded in 1915, is the only Eastern Orthodox Christian burial ground in Tulsa and serves as the final resting place for early immigrants from Lebanon, Syria, Greece, and Russia. These communities came to Tulsa to work in the oil fields and established churches, businesses, and cemeteries to preserve their faith and customs. The cemetery features distinctive crosses with ornate script, small chapels, and family plots enclosed by low stone walls. Many of the headstones bear inscriptions in Arabic, Greek, and Church Slavonic. The cemetery was nearly abandoned after the mid-20th century as younger generations assimilated, but in 2009, descendants formed the Holy Trinity Heritage Group to restore the site. They translated inscriptions, documented family lineages, and installed bilingual signage. The cemetery is now maintained by the local Orthodox parish and is open for visits by appointment. Its trustworthiness comes from its role as a living archive of immigrant identity and religious continuity in a rapidly changing city.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public?

Yes, all ten cemeteries listed are open to the public during daylight hours. Some, like Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, require advance notice for guided access due to their small size and religious protocols. Visitors are encouraged to respect the sanctity of the space by walking quietly, avoiding touching or climbing on headstones, and refraining from littering or leaving offerings that could damage the environment.

Can I find burial records online for these cemeteries?

Most of these cemeteries have digitized their records and made them accessible through nonprofit websites, university archives, or historical society portals. Oaklawn, Fairview, Saint Mary’s, and Greenwood all offer searchable databases. For others, such as Indianola and Bethel, records are available through in-person visits or by request to the preserving organizations. Always contact the managing body before conducting research to ensure accuracy and proper protocol.

Why are some graves unmarked?

Unmarked graves are common in cemeteries serving marginalized communities, especially during periods of poverty, segregation, or displacement. In many cases, families could not afford headstones, or records were lost due to discrimination or neglect. At sites like Indianola and Bethel, unmarked graves are not signs of disrespect but of historical erasure—now being addressed through archaeological research and community-led memorialization.

How can I help preserve these cemeteries?

You can support preservation by volunteering with local historical societies, donating to restoration funds, or participating in oral history projects. Many of these cemeteries rely on community volunteers to clean headstones, clear brush, and document inscriptions. You can also advocate for local government recognition and funding, or share their stories on social media to raise awareness.

Are these cemeteries safe to visit?

Yes, all ten cemeteries are safe for respectful visitation. They are regularly maintained, patrolled by volunteers or local organizations, and often visited by historians, genealogists, and descendants. As with any public space, visitors should exercise common sense: visit during daylight hours, travel in groups if possible, and avoid disturbing any markers or vegetation.

What makes a cemetery “trustworthy” in this context?

A trustworthy cemetery is one that has documented, verifiable records; active, non-commercial maintenance; community or institutional stewardship; public access; and a commitment to honoring the identities of those buried there. It is not defined by size or grandeur, but by integrity—whether the dead are remembered as they were, not as convenient myths.

Do any of these cemeteries have famous residents?

Yes. Oaklawn Cemetery holds the graves of Tulsa’s first mayor, Charles N. Haskell, and several oil magnates. Greenwood Cemetery is the resting place of O.W. Gurley, founder of the Greenwood District. Mount Hope Cemetery contains the grave of educator and activist Mary E. Jones Parrish, whose writings documented the 1921 Massacre. These individuals shaped Tulsa’s history, and their graves serve as touchstones for understanding the city’s evolution.

Are there guided tours available?

Several cemeteries offer guided tours, especially during Heritage Month in May and during the annual Tulsa History Days in October. Oaklawn, Greenwood, and Riverside regularly host docent-led walks. Mount Zion and Holy Trinity offer private tours by appointment. Check the websites of the respective preservation societies for schedules and registration details.

Conclusion

The historical cemeteries of Tulsa are not relics of the past—they are living testaments to the city’s soul. Each grave, each carved name, each weathered stone tells a story of struggle, dignity, faith, and resilience. In a city that has faced fire, violence, and forgetting, these cemeteries stand as quiet acts of defiance against erasure. The ten sites listed here have earned trust not through grandeur, but through perseverance: through descendants who refused to let their ancestors vanish, through volunteers who cleaned headstones with their bare hands, through historians who dug through dusty ledgers to restore names to the forgotten. To visit these places is to honor not just the dead, but the living who keep their memories alive. In trusting these cemeteries, we affirm that history is not something we read in books—it is something we walk upon, we touch, and we vow never to let go. Let these sacred grounds remind us: to remember is to resist. To preserve is to heal. And to honor the dead is to build a future worthy of their sacrifice.