Oak Grove Cemetery

Nestled amidst the bustling city of Medford, Massachusetts, lies Oak Grove Cemetery. A place of quiet contemplation, it holds the stories of the city’s past. Oak Grove Cemetery was established in 1855. It was designed by Josiah Brown, a local architect also known for his work on Fall River’s mills. Originally spanning 47 acres, the cemetery has grown to over 100 acres. It’s a beautiful example of a rural garden cemetery, inspired by Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. Oak Grove Cemetery was built on land purchased from Dr. Nathan Durfee for the hefty sum of $200 per acre. The elevated location was chosen for its central position and suitability as a cemetery. It also likely helped that the land belonged to such an important figure. As part of the deal, Durfee then bought a piece of land between North Main Street and Highland Avenue that the city had originally set aside for a park. The prominent families of Fall River, including the Bordens, Durfees, Braytons, Davols, and Chaces, rest within Oak Grove Cemetery’s grounds. These families were instrumental in shaping the city’s industrial and civic landscape. In 1866, a tragic year, over 255 children were laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery. The cemetery also houses unique memorials. One striking example is the monument to F. H. Stafford, a prominent mill owner. His memorial is shaped like a miniature granite mill, a testament to his contribution to the city’s textile industry. It’s perched on a hill, offering a view of the city’s many smokestacks.