Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington D.C.

Established through an Act of Congress in 1848, Oak Hill Cemetery encompasses 22 acres of historically significant grounds, serving as both a burial site and a botanical garden. It also boasts a mausoleum and is notable for housing the renowned Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel. Having been in use since 1849, this site has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cemetery's inception can be attributed to W.W. Corcoran, a banker, philanthropist, and prominent businessman who founded Riggs National Bank. His financial acumen played a crucial role in maintaining the financial stability of the United States during the Mexican War.

Mr. Corcoran acquired the land for the cemetery from George Corbin Washington and Lewis W. Washington, both of whom were related to the first President of the United States, George Washington. Over time, the architectural beauty of the site, including its buildings and landscaping, was meticulously crafted by architects George F. de la Roche and James Renwick Jr., known for their work at the Smithsonian Institution.

The design of the cemetery bears a striking resemblance to some of the finest English gardens, Gothic chapels, and 19th-century Romantic Art. However, what truly sets this cemetery apart is its association with Civil War burial sites, making it one of the most significant such sites in Washington, D.C. Maps of the burial plots are available to help visitors appreciate the historical significance of this 19th-century cemetery.