Oakdale Memorial Gardens, Military cemetery in Davenport, Iowa.
Oakdale Memorial Gardens is a military cemetery in Davenport containing over 24,000 graves spread across rolling hills with monuments and pathways throughout the landscaped grounds. The 78-acre property features Art Nouveau design elements and sits along Duck Creek with organized burial sections across its terrain.
The cemetery was established in 1856 by local businessmen and designed by Captain George F. de la Roche, a War of 1812 naval veteran. This founding shaped how the region would honor its deceased citizens for generations to come.
The cemetery reflects how communities honored their military members through a dedicated Grand Army of the Republic section, where soldiers and veterans found their final resting place. This area shows how the location served as a gathering point for remembrance and respect across generations.
The cemetery grounds are easy to walk through with well-maintained pathways and clear sections, making it simple for visitors to explore and find specific burial areas. Staff can assist with locating graves if visitors inquire about records in advance.
The grounds feature an unusual section called Love of Animals Petland, where visitors can lay their pets to rest alongside human burial plots. This reflects how the cemetery has adapted to honor the emotional bonds people hold with their animals.
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