Oak Woods Cemetery facts for kids
Oak Woods Cemetery is a very old and large cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. It is located on the South Side of Chicago, in an area called Greater Grand Crossing. This special place was started a long time ago, on February 12, 1853. It covers a huge area, about 183 acres!
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Exploring Oak Woods Cemetery
Oak Woods Cemetery is known for its beautiful old buildings and peaceful grounds. It's a Victorian-era cemetery, which means it was built during the time of Queen Victoria. These cemeteries often have grand designs and lots of trees. It's a place where many people from Chicago's past are remembered.
A Resting Place for Important People
Many important people from Chicago and beyond are buried at Oak Woods Cemetery. One person buried here is Roland Burris. He was a U.S. Senator for Illinois. He built a special family tomb at the cemetery for himself and his wife.
Famous People Buried Here
Oak Woods Cemetery is the final resting place for many well-known Chicagoans. Some of these famous people include:
- Harold Washington, who was a mayor of Chicago.
- Ida B. Wells, a brave journalist and activist.
- Enrico Fermi, a brilliant scientist.
- Jesse Owens, a famous Olympic athlete.
- Pops Staples, a talented musician.
- William Hale Thompson, another former mayor of Chicago.
- Junior Wells, a well-known blues musician.
These are just a few of the many interesting people buried at Oak Woods Cemetery.
Images for kids
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A cannon at the Confederate Mound within the cemetery.
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The tomb of Roland Burris in 2008.
