A city’s history is most often reflected in its cemeteries. Established in 1854, Oak Grove Cemetery is actually two distinct properties separated by U.S. 12 at the western boundary of the city. The cemeteries stand high above the surrounding landscape overlooking the Messenger / Hodunk chain of lakes.

Buffered by the lakes below, each cemetery is serviced by a single entrance thus accentuating the beauty and serenity of the sacred place for the repose for the dead. The attractiveness of the grounds is fittingly accentuated in the spring as though anticipating the annual Memorial Day celebration in memory of Coldwater’s many veterans and fallen heroes.

Standing proudly as sentinels to the south cemetery entrance is the parade of flags, with each flag memorializing wars that were fought to preserve freedom for all Americans. The city’s historic memorial chapel is located on the south cemetery grounds and continues in active use.

The south cemetery grounds include the burial place of Cyrus Luce, Michigan’s 21st governor and namesake of a county in Upper Michigan. The city’s first lady mayor, Louise Wallace, is buried in the south cemetery.