Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2022 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== OAK RIDGE CEMETERY Its History and Improvements H. W. Rokker, Printer & Binder Springfield, ILL. - 1879 Area of Grounds Since 1860 the City Council has, upon recommen- dation of the Board of Managers, made further pur- chases of ground to provide for the prospective wants of our increasing population, so that they now embrace seventy-four and one-half acres. Six acres in the southern part of the cemetery, were deeded in 1865 by the city, to the NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, upon which has been erected the National Lincoln Monument, one of the most splendid mausoleums to be found in any country, at a cost of over $200,000. To this shrine of patriot- ism come travelers from every land in the civilized world, to pay tribute to the memory of our martyred President. Enclosure of Grounds To permanently protect the grounds from all en- croachments, the Board of Managers early in the year 1865, resolved to enclose them with an osage orange hedge. The ground was prepared therefor and the plants set in the years 1865 and 1866. About forty acres were thus enclosed with a good hedge, upon the east, north, and northwest sides. Since then further improvements have been made of the same kind, which with the picket fence at the South Gate, and that lately built at the Eastern, or Main Entrance, completes a most substantial enclosure. ==========================================================================