Historic Oakwood Cemetery

Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina, was one of my favorite places to photograph. Not only is it filled with history - soldiers in every battle from the Civil War to now, along with prominent figures in Raleigh and in North Carolina history - it is also a place that tells the stories of hundreds of others. I would go to Oakwood to experience peace and serenity and to connect with nature, often watching the pair of resident hawks or occasionally seeing a fox out for an early morning stroll.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to serve as the first-ever photographer-in-residence for the cemetery. I made some great friends, and hopefully I was able to help others gain a little more appreciation for this special place.

Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
On my first visit to the cemetery, I came across this beheaded chicken laid upon the grave in the Confederate cection.
32 Cemetery DISPLAY North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
32 Cemetery DISPLAY North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
The ruins of St Agnes Hospital can be seen in the background.
32 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
32 Cemetery DISPLAY North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
32 Cemetery DISPLAY North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
32 Black and White Cemetery DISPLAY Digital Infrared Landscape North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
LOVE - This was placed on the grave of the son of a friend, who left this earth much too early. This one was shot with film.
Agfa Silette 35mm Cemetery Film North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Weeping Angel. This one was shot with film .
32 Agfa Silette 35mm Cemetery Film North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Cemetery Film Minolta AL 35mm North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
32 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
32 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
I visited this grave every time I went to Oakwood, and I was moved to tears every time. A young man who died at age 21 is buried here, and he seems to have left behind a wife and son who loved him very much. Pictured here is a Valentine's Day card. The words written on the card are from his son: "I miss sooo much dad: Happy Valintines day, love: Xander".
54 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
11 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
One of the many graves with a photo embedded in the headstone.
54 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
An undying love.
32 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
We should always have hope...
32 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
11 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh iPhone
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh iPhone
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
11 Black and White Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh iPhone
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
54 Autumn Bridge Cemetery Landscape Leaves North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh Sun Trees nature
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
One of the people whose story I wish I knew. Embedded in his headstone is a photo of the man with an American flag and his certificate of citizenship. The flower arrangement is labeled "American Beauty".
11 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
It is always heartbreaking to see the grave of a small child...
32 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
32 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
11 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
One of my favorite monuments in the cemetery is the one that AG Bauer built for the love of his life, Rachel Blythe Bauer. The inscription reads: “In thy dark eyes splendor
Where the warm light loves to dwell
Weary looks yet tender
Speak their last farewell”
11 Cemetery North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
House of Memory
32
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
House of Memory
32
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
Probably my favorite photo I shot at Oakwood is this majestic oak.
54 Black and White Cemetery DISPLAY Homepage Landscape North Carolina Oakwood Raleigh Trees nature
Historic Oakwood Cemetery - Raleigh, NC
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Brent Mathison

Photographer

Historic Oakwood Cemetery