Since 2022, the Oakwood Cemetery Improvements group has worked to restore the cemetery; most recently, the domed rotunda in the Grand Army of the Republic section. The group helps the city repair and maintain the cemetery as a whole.
“We got Oakwood placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. The cemetery has more than 360 Civil War veterans buried there. About half are buried in the G.A.R. Circles and the rest buried elsewhere on the grounds,” local historian Dave Mattox said. “Little maintenance has been done in the last 50 years so the circles’ retaining walls were collapsing and the ceiling of the domed rotunda was also failing. We repaired the east G.A.R. circle in 2024 with funds we have raised. With the repair of the dome in 2026 the two biggest needs have been addressed.”
Mattox The recent repairs were completed by King Masonry, a Joplin-based business.
“It’s been a pleasure restoring this historical landmark,” Don England, a contractor working on the rotunda, said.
He noted that he was also involved in the east circle repairs in 2024.
England said he enjoyed painting the rotunda, a job he does not often do as a mason.
“The domed rotunda was built in 1905 by the G.A.R. for use in ceremonies at the cemetery,” Mattox said. “The G.A.R. area was meant to show honor and respect for veterans of the Civil War, and it didn’t seem right for it to be allowed to fall into such disrepair.”
Some examples of such ceremonies the rotunda is used for include events for Memorial Day, speeches, and Wreaths Across America Day.
Members of the Oakwood Cemetery Improvements group find Oakwood to be a special place, Mattox said.
“I think everyone would agree that repairs were needed for such a historic location. We will continue to do alll that we can to make sure Oakwood can be enjoyed and appreciated for future generations.”
As far as future progress, Mattox said signage would be the biggest focus for the rest of 2026 and 2027.
To learn more about the Oakwood Cemetery Improvements Group, one can find the Historic Oakwood Cemetery Improvements page on Facebook.
