The City of Richmond purchased land in 1799 on the northern end of Shockoe Hill, for the main purpose of establishing a municipal burying ground.

After the Civil War broke out, the city's hospitals and clinics received a large number of critically wounded soldiers.

Oakwood Cemetery was set as the final resting place of soldiers who died in treatment at Chimborazo Hospital, a massive facility on Church Hill.

It was further mentioned that colored persons from Howard's Grove Hospital, a State Asylum, were actively being buried in Oakwood, which gave another reason for purchasing additional ground.

[6] In June 1879 the burials of colored persons ceased completely at Shockoe Hill, and all new interments were then made at Oakwood Cemetery.

[7] Oakwood Cemetery today covers about 176 acres (71 ha) of ground, and continues to be maintained by the City of Richmond and various charitable trusts.