Oakwood is where

Niagara's history resides.

About Oakwood

Historic Oakwood Cemetery was begun in 1852 on land donated by Lavinia Porter, daughter of Judge Augustus Porter. The Judge was one of the acknowledged founders of Niagara Falls, and one of its largest landowners. The Oakwood landscape we know today dates from an original design drawn in 1852 by noted civil engineer T.D. Judah.  Drake Whitney, (nephew to the three Whitney sisters for which Three Sisters' Islands" are named) refined the map in 1882.

Oakwood today contains many outstanding examples of funerary art including obelisks, sarcophogi, and beautiful statuary. Additionally, the landscape is lush with mature plantings and trees, many dating from the earliest time of the cemetery.

It continues to service the community with the crematory, columbarium, and gravesites, including newly available family plots formed by the expansion of previously smaller burial sites. 

Oakwood Tours

Oakwood Cemetery Heritage Foundation offers popular tours including our Daredevil Tour, Tragic Tales Tour, Street Names Tour, and historical tours featuring European founders like the Porters, Schoellkopfs, C. B. Gaskill and others.

Our regularly scheduled tours are done for the season, but we're still available to give on-demand tours. To schedule a tour, just give us a call at 716-352-0528.

What folks are saying about Oakwood Cemetery tours...

"Excellent docent! Friendly, funny, and informative. She covered the Niagara Falls daredevils you may have heard of, (Annie Edson Taylor) but many more people who had life changing experiences with the mighty cataracts. Some even lived to tell about it!"

"He was not only very knowledgeable about the history of those buried there, but he had many interesting background stories as well. I wish more people were interested in learning about the lives and tribulations of those who have predeceased us. There is so much drama, humor, and wisdom to learn from. Give this tour a try, it is so worth it!!"

"Daredevils of the Falls with Marge was GREAT! She took us on a hour-plus journey at an easy pace with fascinating stories of people who braved the mighty Niagara. I have lived in Western New York all my life and most of these stories were new to me."

"Our docent Annette was great. She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining. The cemetery is beautiful, and there are lots of interesting permanent residents buried on the grounds. I would highly recommend taking this tour, it was very enjoyable and I learned a lot."

18.5 peaceful acres in the center of downtown Niagara Falls, NY.

With more than 22,000 permanent residents, Oakwood Cemetery is like a small village, with more than 22,000 stories to tell.