Paths in History
Oakwood is a living part of historic Fort Worth.
Its rustic paths meander through memories with the names and stories of the earliest founders side by side with those of later generations and through today. For more than a century, Oakwood has preserved the stories of Fort Worth’s founders, civic leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, and families whose lives helped shape the city we know today.
December 26, 1879 – Cemetery Land Donated:
Upon the death of his stepson Frank L. Fox, Fort Worth pioneer John Peter Smith donated 20 acres for what would become Oakwood Cemetery. Frank’s burial is believed to be the oldest in what was then known simply as New Cemetery.
Over time, more Fort Worth residents chose this peaceful resting place for their loved ones. As the cemetery grew, it expanded to more than 60 acres across three connected sections and became known as Oakwood.
1885 – City Cemetery Renamed to Oakwood:
Oakwood is the second oldest cemetery in Fort Worth and was known as “City Cemetery” or “New City Cemetery” until it was renamed “Oakwood” in 1885.
1952 – 1953 (White Settlement Section):
An estimated 350 graves were moved from White Settlement Cemetery to Oakwood between 1952 and 1953 to make room for the Carswell Air Force Base runway extension. Today, many of these graves remain unmarked, serving as a quiet reminder of an important chapter in Fort Worth’s history.
1912 – Chapel Built:
In 1912, the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel was built. Today, following its restoration, it proudly welcomes visitors at the cemetery’s entrance.
1966 & 2018 – Historic Designation:
The cemetery was designated a Texas historical site in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
More than a historic landmark, Oakwood reflects the diverse communities that built Fort Worth. Its historic sections tell the unique stories of Catholic families, African American trailblazers, city pioneers, and generations of Texas families whose legacies continue to shape our city.
Oakwood Sections
Calvary Cemetery
Calvary sits on the southeast edge of Oakwood.
Established in 1880 Calvary Cemetery occupies three acres along Oakwood’s southeastern edge. John Peter Smith donated the land to the Bishop of Galveston for use as a Catholic cemetery.
Visitors enter through its historic western gate, marked by a wrought-iron arch bearing the words “Calvary Cemetery.” Erected in 1922, the arch is supported by square brick columns and remains one of the cemetery’s most recognizable landmarks.
City Cemetery
What was originally known as City Cemetery is the city’s second oldest cemetery.
Established in 1879, City Cemetery originally consisted of seventeen publicly owned acres donated by John Peter Smith. The cemetery was carefully laid out in four rows containing sixteen numbered blocks. The blocks are number 1 through 16.
By the late 1890s, City Cemetery had expanded west and south into privately owned areas known as East and West Oakwood. Together, these adjoining sections eventually became known collectively as Oakwood.
Old Trinity Cemetery
Old Trinity Cemetery , located on the northern edge of Oakwood, was the designated cemetery for the burials of African Americans.
Among those laid to rest in Old Trinity is William Madison “Gooseneck” McDonald, a successful businessman, political leader, and one of Fort Worth’s most influential African American citizens.
The McDonald monument, the tallest in the cemetery, was erected by “Gooseneck” on his family plot. He arranged for beautiful granite slabs to be placed on the graves of family that preceded him in death, but his grave remains unmarked.
Oakwood is more than a cemetery—it is a living part of Fort Worth’s history.
Today, Oakwood spans more than 100 acres and encompasses the historic City, Calvary, and Old Trinity cemeteries. Together, they tell the story of Fort Worth’s diverse communities and remain under the stewardship of the Oakwood Cemetery Association.
Oakwood Cemetery Association
In 1908, the non-profit Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed to oversee the maintenance of the grounds and buildings. For more than a century, dedicated volunteers and community members have worked to preserve the cemetery’s historic character while ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and appreciate this remarkable place.
Today, the Association continues its mission of protecting one of Fort Worth’s most significant historic treasures for future generations.
Help preserve more than 145 years of Fort Worth history. Join our dedicated volunteer team.
Association Reports & Information
The Oakwood Cemetery Association is led by an Executive Board and Association Board Members who generously volunteer their time in support of Oakwood’s preservation and legacy.
- Financial Statements can be requested in person by visiting our Oakwood office.
- National Register for Historic Places
- Annual Meeting Notes (coming soon)
- Plot Policies (coming soon)
- Association Bylaws (coming soon)