Tampa's Historic Cemeteries

Three years after the 1821 purchase of Florida from Spain, Fort Brooke became the first permanent, modern settlement on the site of present-day Tampa, and a new life began for settlers on Florida s rich gulf coast. By 1855, it was incorporated as the city of Tampa. Continuing its rich, diverse, cultural, and ethnic heritage, Tampa has become the nation s 54th-largest metropolitan community. Its abundant history is uniquely told with a leisurely stroll through the city s historic cemeteries. Oaklawn Cemetery, Tampa s first public burial ground, was created in 1850 when Tampa had only 500 residents. There, one can find governors, senators, mayors, lawyers, doctors, pirates, and thieves all of whom have a story to tell. By the late 1800s, some of Tampa s most prominent citizens were buried in newly formed cultural and social club burial grounds."