History of Westwood Cemetery

Oberlin’s original burial ground was only two acres of land on Morgan Street, leased by Oberlin College. By 1861 – the onset of the American Civil War – it was realized that a larger cemetery was necessary. Thus, the Oberlin Cemetery Association was formed July 9, 1861 to locate and propose proper grounds for a new cemetery. The first burial was in August 1863 (Samuel Montgomery, Sec. V), nearly a year before the formal dedication of the cemetery in July 1864.

Westwood’s design reflects the Rural Cemetery Movement of the nineteenth century. Such cemeteries were to be enjoyed like parks, with pastoral landscapes, winding paths, and ornate monuments. Today, Westwood Cemetery is around 47 acres and hosts over 11,000 burials. The cemetery grounds and records are maintained by the City of Oberlin.

Organized in 2014, Friends of Westwood Cemetery (FOWC) is a community group of passionate individuals committed to the long-term care and awareness of the Westwood Cemetery grounds, stones, and stories.

Successful projects have included:

• Replacing sections markers used for wayfinding by visitors

• Creation of the Tranquility and Memorial Gardens

• Responsible for cleaning of gravestones

• Advocacy for accessible data and records