Oak Hill Cemetery

Established by an Act of Congress in 1848, Oak Hill Cemetery is a 22 acre historic graveyard, botanical garden, and mausoleum. It is also home to the famous Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel. Collectively, this site, in use since 1849, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cemetery was founded by W.W. Corcoran who was a banker, philanthropist, and businessman. Corcoran founded the Riggs National Bank and was an instrumental part in keeping the U.S. financially solvent during the Mexican War.

Mr. Corcoran purchased land for the cemetery from George Corbin Washington and Lewis W. Washington (both related to the first President.) Over the years, the beautiful pieces of architecture, both the buildings and grounds, were put into place courtesy of architects George F. de la Roche and James Renwick Jr (of Smithsonian fame).

The styling of the cemetery resembles that of some of the best English gardens, Gothic chapels, and 19th century Romantic Art. But perhaps the biggest draw of this cemetery is the Civil War burial sites situated within, the most notable to be found in Washington, D.C. The maps of the plots are there to help to appreciate better the historic value of this 19th century cemetery.