The Oldest Gravestone In Oklahoma Is More Than 250 Years Old And Has A Fascinating History
By Ashley|Published December 11, 2023
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Ashley
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Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
If you ever find yourself in the far southeastern corner of Oklahoma, around Idabel, be sure to embark on a journey down a gravel driveway to witness a piece of Oklahoma’s history—the Garland Cemetery. Located in a remote and rural setting, this cemetery hides a fascinating secret: it is home to the oldest known birthdate on a gravestone in the entire state.
To reach this hidden gem, plug the GPS coordinates 33.747340, -94.498117 into your navigation system or click on the link below this picture to be taken to the Google map. The cemetery is approximately 1¾ miles north of Highway 3 on N4815 graveled county road, just one mile west of the OK/AR state line. A long driveway into the woods leads you to the graveyard.
At Garland Cemetery, history comes alive, with an inscription on the Oklahoma Historical Society marker that tells tales of Choctaw Chief Samuel Garland and his family.
Samuel Garland, deeply involved in Choctaw politics, migrated from Mississippi during the Choctaw removal in the 1830s. He opened a large plantation with black slave labor, and the cemetery stands as the only remaining evidence of the Garland occupation.
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The centerpiece of this historic burial ground is the headstone of Sophie Pitchlynn, Samuel Garland's mother-in-law, bearing the birthdate of December 27, 1773.
This birthdate is believed to be the earliest recorded in the state of Oklahoma. Imagine, Sophie Pitchlynn lived nearly 98 years, witnessing events from before the United States declared independence from Britain!
The Garland Cemetery holds not only the graves of Samuel and Mary Pitchlynn Garland but also offers a glimpse into the past of Choctaw history. Samuel Garland, born in 1803, played a significant role in Choctaw politics, serving as Principal Chief during the Civil War.
The cemetery's restoration, initiated in 1959 by the Oklahoma Historical Society, has preserved this historical site for future generations.
Today, thanks to the efforts of the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Fort Towson Historic Site staff, and local volunteers, the cemetery stands in good condition. A red granite state historic marker on Oklahoma Highway 3 informs passersby of its historic significance, ensuring that the legacy of the Garland Cemetery endures.
If you enjoy visiting unique cemeteries, check out The Showmen’s Rest – located in the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma. It’s a rectangular section carved out of Mount Olivet Cemetery that is a special resting place for those who dedicated their lives to the circus, including animals. You’ll find some of the most beautiful and unique headstones located in this town that was once known as Circus City, USA.
If you will be traveling to Idabel or Hugo and need a place to stay, check out the vacation rentals on VRBO.com.
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