On January 1, 2005, I had the ambivalent and touching experience of visiting
the historic Oaklawn Cemetery in Lake City, Florida.
As a memorialist, I have a professional interest in the preservation of cemeteries. I
visit cemeteries often, frequently photographing monuments that catch my eye.
As a former resident of Lake City, and 1970 graduate of Lake City Community College, I
also have an interest in preserving the heritage of North Florida and South Georgia on a
personal level. My family roots run deep in the Suwannee, Columbia, Hamilton, and Lowndes
County communities, where many of my relatives have lived and are buried.
As a young man, I had little knowledge of, much less a full appreciation for, the
sacrifices of the men who died at the Olustee Battlefield. While photographing portions of
the Oaklawn Cemetery, I discovered a precious piece of history woefully neglected,
deteriorating, under-publicized, and in need of a greater commitment of both financial and
volunteer resources.
Last January, I wrote to the fathers and mothers of Lake City to encourage an investment
of money and resources to improve the condition of the Oaklawn Cemetery. More than 100
graves of casualties from the Civil War, presumably from the Battle of Olustee, may be
observed in the Oaklawn Cemetery.
The memorial flagpole at the cemetery placed to honor the sacrifices of the deceased Civil
War veterans, who died at the Olustee Battlefield was missing a flag. Unfortunately, it
still is today.
The grounds and fencing needed to be improved around the cemetery for both attractiveness
and security, due to the fading neighborhood immediately surrounding the cemetery. During
my earlier visit, a water faucet, since repaired, flowed vigorously with running water
that I was unable to turn off.
If they do not currently exist, and I did not see it, one or more historical markers and
directional signs should be located on Highways 41, 90 and Interstate 75 to publicize the
numerous war graves in the Oaklawn Cemetery. This site is worthy of a historical
designation.
My heart sinks to think that veterans of any war would not receive appropriate honors for
their service, and particularly so when the ultimate sacrifice was made. Sadly, most of
the numerous Civil War veterans buried at Oaklawn Cemetery are unidentified.
Between Federal and Confederate troops combined, 2,807 people were killed in the Battle of
Olustee. If anyone knows the particulars for the burial sites, or a list of the dead,
please pass the information on to me for future publication.
Unfortunately, dead folks do not usually vote in elections, and with politics being what
they are, it is easy to place cemeteries lower in the pecking order below competing
priorities and challenges faced by those in power in our local governments.
If North Florida school children are not being taken to the Oaklawn Cemetery as part of
their studies, then I recommend an annual tour, as the cemetery truly demonstrates the
costs of war and the personal sacrifices made in the Civil War, Spanish-American War,
World War II, and numerous other conflicts.
Any civics class or American History class could benefit greatly by the field trip and the
subsequent study of the monuments that memorialize those who were once with us and laid
down their lives on the field of battle, and particularly, those who are buried in unnamed
graves. History is close by in our neighborhoods, and more must be done to preserve and
promote it as part of our legacy. It is the right thing to do!
On January 1, 2005, I had the ambivalent and touching experience of visiting
the historic Oaklawn Cemetery in Lake City, Florida.