Although I get strange looks when I mention I enjoy visiting historic cemeteries, it doesn’t deter me checking them out. They are interesting and peaceful. Recently I left busy M Street, with all its hustle and bustle of Georgetown’s shops and restaurants, and walked eight blocks up to Oak Hill Cemetery located at 30th and R Streets.
Oak Hill Cemetery was founded in 1849 through an Act of Congress and by Mr. W.W. Corcoran donating the land for the cemetery. Corcoran was a banker and philanthropist who also created the original Corcoran Gallery (now known as the Renwick Gallery).
The Gatehouse and Gothic Revival styled Chapel were designed by James Renwick in 1850. Renwick also designed the Smithsonian Castle building and St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Having visited Congressional Cemetery last August when they had visiting goats, I prefer the grounds at Oak Hill. The hilly, twenty four acres overlooking the Rock Creek are beautiful with mature trees, lots of plants and trails throughout the area.
My favorite thing to do when reading the headstone, besides finding an unusual name, is reading the dates and putting the life of the person into perspective as to what was going on at that time in history.
Here are a few photos from my outing:
For more information, click here.
Isn’t it fun to hear from so many others who enjoy a visit to a cemetery? I’m right there with you! The history, the stories, and they mystery definitely attract me, but also the art and the architecture.
That chapel is just beautiful! I was in Lexington for only 10 hours (over night a couple weeks ago and on the way out of town, took two quick images at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. I hope to get back to really explore!
Your images are lovely and I particularly like the “leafy walk through Georgetown” shot.
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It’s been nice to hear from others who also enjoy visiting cemeteries. Our exchange student from two years ago is attending Washington and Lee U. now so when we visit him in Lexington, I’ll have to check out the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery.
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Excellent post and great pictures, Patti. I didn’t know about this place at all, especially the Renwick connection, but it looks really interesting. It’s definitely on my list now. Thanks for the posting.
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Thanks so much ~ glad you like the post. I’ve heard the best time to visit is in the spring ~ there are lots of blooming plants then.
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Beautiful photos. I love the fall colors of leaves and pumkins and gorgeous blue skies!
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Thank you ~ glad you like the photos. We lucked out with a gorgeous Autumn day. The pumpkins are my favorite.
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Same here – about the pumpkins.
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Beautiful cemetery! I love visiting them, and my husband thinks its odd – they are such peaceful places. The statue of the bulldog is adorable too.
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I am another fan of cemeteries. So far my favorite is probably in Lviv, but I always love English churchyards.
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I started my cemetery tours while in the UK so I know what you mean about loving the English churchyards. So good to hear of others who enjoy a wander through the graveyards.
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I love the sweep of your pictures in the cemetery. Have always liked this place. Wrote a post myself a few years ago: https://arlingwords.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/before-public-parks-the-garden-cemetery/
Thanks for posting on it. I like old cemeteries as well.
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Thanks! Enjoyed reading your post about Oak Hill Cemetery. Very detailed and informative. I’m happy to hear a few others appreciate these historic cemeteries as well.
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I also love visiting old cemeteries. These pictures are great!
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Thanks so much Darlene! This was a really nice cemetery ~ be sure to put it on your list if you travel to Washington DC.
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