Mountain View Cemetery (Oakland, California)

Mountain View Cemetery is a 226-acre (91 ha) non-denominational garden cemetery and historical landmark in Oakland, California. Founded in 1863, it is renowned for its picturesque landscaping, stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, and the notable individuals interred within its grounds.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect responsible for New York City's Central Park and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, the cemetery features winding roads, lush gardens, and impressive monuments. Its design reflects the "rural cemetery" movement of the 19th century, which emphasized natural beauty and park-like settings as a way to commemorate the deceased.

Mountain View Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many prominent figures from California's history, including architects Julia Morgan and Bernard Maybeck, coffee magnate James Folger, industrialists Henry J. Kaiser and Domingo Ghirardelli, and California governors Earl Warren and Hiram Johnson. Their gravesites, along with those of other historical figures, attract visitors interested in history, architecture, and genealogy.

The cemetery remains an active burial ground, offering a variety of interment options. It also hosts regular events such as walking tours, historical lectures, and memorial services. The serene atmosphere and historical significance of Mountain View Cemetery make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.