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:
Oak Hill Chapel designed by James Renwick.
Side view of the Oak Hill Chapel
Beautiful Fall foliage and blue skies
There are trails throughout the cemetery so you won’t be stepping on any graves.
Oak Hill Cemetery Gatehouse ~ designed by James Renwick
Original Bell at the Oak Hill Cemetery
The fallen leaves throughout the Garden cemetery
I found a “Giving Tree” stump
Oak Hill Cemetery’s Welcome and Rules
Pumpkins in Georgetown
Sweet Bulldog Statue
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in Georgetown
Walking the leafy streets of Georgetown
The cemetery overlooks Rock Creek and the Rock Creek parkway.
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Displaced Beachbums 