Whispers from the past echo here at Oak Grove Cemetery. Once known as Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery this hallowed ground holds a rich history. Established near Lexington Presbyterian Church in 1789 it’s a living record of Lexington’s story. Revolutionary War patriots rest here alongside Civil War casualties. The cemetery reflects the lives of students from Washington & Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute.
Thomas J “Stonewall” Jackson himself lies buried here. His death from pneumonia and friendly fire in 1863 marked a turning point in the Civil War. His impressive bronze statue wasn’t added until 1891. A massive dedication ceremony drew 30000 people. His wives and children are buried beneath that statue. That’s quite a family plot.
Many prominent figures found their final resting place in Oak Grove. Virginia governors James McDowell and John Letcher are here. So is Margaret Junkin Preston the “Poetess of the South”. Several congressmen and senators also rest here. Even one of VMI’s founders John Preston and its first two superintendents are here. There’s even a grave of the cabinetmaker who crafted the George Washington statue for Washington & Lee University.
The cemetery’s name changed in 2020. Following nationwide reevaluations of Confederate symbols the Lexington City Council unanimously voted for a change. Oak Grove Cemetery feels like a more fitting name for this peaceful place. But the stories of the people buried here remain unchanged. They are part of Lexington’s history.
The Historic Lexington Foundation works tirelessly. They preserve and restore the cemetery. They promote its history and legacy. They hold tours and work days. They’ve raised funds to restore damaged headstones and monuments. Oak Grove Cemetery is more than just a graveyard. It’s a living testament to the people who shaped Lexington and the nation. It’s a place where history whispers. It’s a place you should explore.