This tour begins and ends with a murder. In the early hours of April 27, 1913, the body of 13-year-old Mary Phagan was discovered in the basement of Atlanta’s National Pencil Factory. Leo Frank, the factory superintendent and a Jewish man from New York, was accused of the heinous crime and tried on evidence that was questionable at best. Class tensions, anti-Semitism, and mob violence all played a role in the trial and events that followed, which rank among the most tragic and unforgettable in Atlanta’s history. Learn how several Oakland residents were involved in the infamous event during this thought-provoking tour.
This tour starts at the Front Gate (main entrance at Oakland Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive) at 2:00 PM. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the volunteer desk inside the Visitors Center (located in the parking lot) before meeting at the Front Gate.
Spaces are limited, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
Historic Oakland Foundation is committed to following CDC public health guidelines. Vaccinated guests can remove their masks during a tour.
Historic Oakland Foundation Members
Historic Oakland Foundation memberships include free tickets for special topic tours. Check your membership level before you purchase. Individual members receive one (1) ticket, dual members two (2) tickets, and family memberships four (4) tickets. Membership status will be confirmed before the tour.
Accessibility
Not all areas of Historic Oakland Cemetery are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you need an accessible route when purchasing your ticket. There is designated parking for vehicles with a disability permit next to the Visitor Center. This is the best option for parking as the main entrance is paved with cobblestones, and both the East Gate and Memorial Drive Gate entrances have either a step or curb.
ASL interpreter available if given 3 days (72 hours) notice before the start of the tour.
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