Established in 1829, Old City Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Tallahassee and a vital part of the city's history. Originally located outside city limits, it became the final resting place for a wide cross-section of residents, including governors, war veterans, enslaved individuals, and yellow fever victims.

The cemetery was strictly segregated, with white burials on the east side and Black burials, including enslaved and free people, on the west. A visible path still marks the old dividing line. Various religious groups had designated areas, including a relocated Jewish section marked by a Star of David obelisk.

In its early years, the cemetery was unkempt, with livestock roaming freely and minimal burial practices. Grave markers range from simple early designs to more elaborate Victorian monuments, offering insight into changing cultural views on death. Today, Old City Cemetery stands as a powerful reminder of Tallahassee’s past and remains one of its most significant historic landmarks.