Ottumwa Cemetery's original 10 acre plot and the four key structures that create its dramatic entrance are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The receiving vault, wrought iron fence, Edgerly Gateway, and office/chapel are set in a magnificent arboretum housing trees and shrubs planted throughout the city's history.

The Ottumwa Cemetery was established in 1857 after outgrowing the town's original cemetery which was located nearer to downtown. The cemetery's current boundaries are North Court Street on the west side, Vanness Avenue on the north, Jefferson Street on the east, and Park Avenue on the south. Ottumwa Cemetery's original 10 acres was laid out in grids of lots on the hillsides with meandering roads.