Washington DC Cemeteries Brochure

Home , Adams Memorial, Campus, Congressional Cemetery, Georgetown University, Rock Creek Cemetery, Wisconsin Avenue

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN CEMETERIES IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Text by Anne O. Brockett, Architectural Historian District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office Brochure Design by [email protected] Printed 2012 This publication has been funded with the assistance of a matching grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, through the District of Columbia Office of Planning, Historic Preservation Office, under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. However, the contents and opinions do not neces- sarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior. This program receives federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1973, as amended. The U.S. Department of Interior and the District of Columbia prohibit the discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, or handicap in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity, or if you desire further information, please write to Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Front: Prospect Hill Cemetery Back: Glenwood Cemetery

Historic Preservation Office 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E650 Washington, D.C. 20024 District of Columbia Office of Planning 202.442.7600 www.planning.dc.gov/hpo CEMETERY TIMELINE SOME NOTABLE BURIALS

10,500 BCE - c. 1700 Native American occupation of the Many notable individuals, both the illustrious and the in- region famous, have been laid to rest in the District of Columbia. 1608 – Captain John Smith is the first Englishman to Some of the more colorful politicians, artists, scientists, navigateGONE the Potomac BUTRiver NOT musicians, socialites, and criminals include: 1719 – RockFORGOTTEN Creek Church Cemetery was founded Congressional – Photographer Mathew Brady, Mary Ann 1720s-1850s – Church burials were the most common Hall (the “Madam on the Mall”), J. Edgar Hoover, Belva type of burial Lockwood (lawyer, suffragette, and 1884 Presidential can- 1720s-1880sCEMETERIES – Family cemeteries were used IN didate), Choctaw Chief Pushmataha, and composer John 1791THE – L’Enfant NATION’S Plan for Washington CAPITAL included no burial Philip Sousa grounds 1798 – Eastern and Western Cemeteries created by the Glenwood – Constantino Brumidi (painter of the Capitol District government Washington, D.C. is home to some of the grandest dome), Amos Kendall (founder of Gallaudet University), 1807 – Congressional Cemetery created and Emmanuel Leutze (painter of Washington Crossing monuments and most recognized edifices in the world. 1825 – First African American burial society formed in Beyond its celebrated historic sites, venerable museums, the Delaware) Washington and distinctive rowhouse neighborhoods, however, is an 1831 – Mount Auburn Cemetery created, beginning the Mount Olivet – James Hoban (architect of the White often overlooked facet of the city’s history – its cemeteries. Rural Cemetery Movement House) and Mary Surratt (conspirator in Lincoln’s assas- These beautiful, although sometimes neglected, land- 1849 – Oak Hill Cemetery designed as Washington’s first sination) scapes provide the final resting place for the people who Rural cemetery have shaped the Nation’s Capital in both remarkable and Rock Creek –Julius Garfinckel (founder of Garfinckel’s 1852 – The government bans burials within the original in ordinary ways. Department Store), Gilbert H. Grosvenor (President of city boundaries National Geographic Society and the “father of photojour- 1850sJust –over Glenwood twenty active(1854), and Prospect inactive Hill cemeteries (1858), Mount are cur - nalism”), and author Upton Sinclair rentlyOlivet located (1858), in the and District Payne’s of Columbia, although many Woodlawn – Blanche Bruce (first former slave to serve as dozens(1851) morecreated have in responsebeen lost to to ban time on or burials moved and to maketo the U.S. Senator) and John Mercer Langston (early African wayRural for other Cemetery land uses. Movement Studying their location, design, American U.S. Congressman) and1870-1900s grave markers – Extensive provides removals insight of into bodies the fromsocial the his city- tory,center settlement to new patterns, Rural cemeteries and religious beliefs of the city’s founders1964 – The and residents.District recognizes This brochure the significant recounts historicalthe burial practicesand architectural of Washington’s features earliest of cemeteries inhabitants by throughdesignating the present,Oak Hillfocusing and Congressional on Native American as historic burials, sites. church and family1977 – graveyards, Rock Creek and Church the rise Cemetery of commercial designated cemeteries as acrosshistoric the four site quadrants of the city. 1991 – Woodlawn Cemetery designated as historic site 2005 – Prospect Hill Cemetery designated as historic site

A small pet cemetery was located on the grounds of today’s National Arboretum and was in use as early as 1909 through the 1970s. It is one of the oldest recorded pet cemeteries in the country. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

Woodlawn Cemetery was created when nearby Graceland was condemned by the city in 1894 for a road extension project. CEMETERY TIMELINE SOME NOTABLE BURIALS

Woodlawn Cemetery was created when nearby Graceland was condemned by the city in 1894 for a road extension project. nity interest may yet find a champion for the restoration of these grounds.A PLACE TO Of Washington’s remaining cemeteries, Prospect Hill, Oak Hill, Woodlawn,SLEEP Rock Creek, and Battleground National Cemeteries are designated historic sites. In addition, GeorgetownTHE SELECTION Visitation, St. Elizabeths, the OF Jesuit, A and Mount Zion/Female Union Band Cemeteries fall within the boundariesBURIAL of designated LOCATION historic districts. Congres- sional Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark, reach- ingWhen the highest colonists level arrived of historic in the recognition New World, because they brought of its withnational them importance. the centuries-old European custom of burial in and around a church. But for inhabitants of the sparsely settled The cenotaphs at Congressional Cemetery, honoring early members of GlenwoodCongress who Cemetery died in was office, established have recently in 1854 been well cleaned outside andthe restored.city in Mid-Atlantic region, churches were often too distant to attend Washington County. Burials from Trinity Episcopal, Foundry Methodist, or to use for funerals and burials. Early residents resorted to and St. John’s Episcopal churchyards were moved here soon after. burying family members on their own property or, when pos- sible, at non-denominational community cemeteries. Within arranged in chronological order, rather than in family plots, theGRAVESTONE area that became the District SYMBOLISM of Columbia, we find both Common symbols denote farewell (shaking hands), a belief in the family graveyards and community cemeteries at crossroads afterlifeseparating (butterfly deceased emerged parents from fromchrysalis children and finger and spouses pointing from to villages such as Tenleytown, Brightwood, Hillsdale, and Ben- Heaven),one another. sorrow at a life cut short A walk through any of the city’s cemeteries presents nings. (broken chain and flower stem), and visitors with a plethora of imagery and symbolism specific blessingMaintenance (Cohanim hands). was irregular as most early graveyards had to Thesevarious choices cultural, – the religious, churchyard and social (for congregants), groups, as well the as no caretaker, but only someone who was paid to bury the Emblems are also frequently used to iconography that has become common among all classes, dead. Without much oversight, cemeteries became eyesores family cemetery (primarily for large landholders), and the denote membership in organizations and were crowded to the point where stacking bodies in the communityraces, and religions. cemetery From (at small the imagesvillages), carved along on with grave munici- - such as the Masons, Elks, Odd palstones, burial we grounds can begin (for to the understand destitute) not – were only the the only beliefs burial Fellows,same and grave Woodmen shaft becameof the World. commonplace. Increasing popula- optionsof individuals, available but to how residents those of beliefs the District have gained of Columbia or lost well tion density and concerns about contagion further brought intoimportance the 19th over century. the years Virtually and allhow cemeteries perceptions at this of death time were into question the appropriateness of having cemeteries in informallyhave changed. laid out and operated. Burials were typically the center of town. The ultimate demise of urban burial grounds in the District commenced with legislation in 1852 A few examples include lambs, which were used on which forbade new burial grounds within the boundaries The publicchildren’s vault graves at Congressional to symbolize Cemetery innocence; was a built hand in pointing 1835 of the Federal City – between the Anacostia and Potomac to hold the deceased temporarily while funeral arrangements upward showing that the soul of the departed has gone to Rivers, Rock Creek and Florida Avenue. From that date, all wereHeaven; made. Three a broken Presidents column and or two a flower First Ladies with werea broken kept stem here, including Dolley Madison, who remained for over two years while new cemeteries were located in the outlying Washington indicating a life cut short; and ivy, symbolic of undying af- funds were raised to bury her at Montpelier. County and before long, burials were being exhumed and fection or everlasting life. Fraternal emblems are common moved into the new grounds. In fact, several cemeteries were on gravestones and include the compass and square of relocated to the suburbs in their entirety. the Masons, the linked chain of the Odd Fellows, and tree stump markers for Woodmen of the World. At the same time, the Rural Cemetery Movement was gaining popularity throughout the nation. Corresponding with the sentimentality of the Victorian era, this entirely new approach to cemetery planning advocated burial grounds as places of beauty and tranquility, envisioning death as a sort of peaceful slumber rather than a pitiless finality. The sub- urban locations and meticulously planned designs of Rural cemeteries – with winding carriage paths, varied topography, and beautiful vistas – were a far cry from crowded, unkempt inner-city burial grounds. For the first time, people could purchase plots in advance, selecting their preferred location and providing enough space for family members to be buried together. Rural cemeteries introduced regular maintenance, sanitary measures, and security, and created a for-profit, landscape-focused business model. nity interest may yet find a champion for the restoration of these grounds.A PLACE TO Of Washington’s remaining cemeteries, Prospect Hill, Oak Hill, Woodlawn,SLEEP Rock Creek, and Battleground National Cemeteries are designated historic sites. In addition, GeorgetownTHE SELECTION Visitation, St. Elizabeths, the OF Jesuit, A and Mount Zion/Female Union Band Cemeteries fall within the boundariesBURIAL of designated LOCATION historic districts. Congres- sional Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark, reach- ingWhen the highest colonists level arrived of historic in the recognition New World, because they brought of its withnational them importance. the centuries-old European custom of burial in and around a church. But for inhabitants of the sparsely settled The cenotaphs at Congressional Cemetery, honoring early members of GlenwoodCongress who Cemetery died in was office, established have recently in 1854 been well cleaned outside andthe restored.city in Mid-Atlantic region, churches were often too distant to attend Washington County. Burials from Trinity Episcopal, Foundry Methodist, or to use for funerals and burials. Early residents resorted to and St. John’s Episcopal churchyards were moved here soon after. burying family members on their own property or, when pos- sible, at non-denominational community cemeteries. Within arranged in chronological order, rather than in family plots, theGRAVESTONE area that became the District SYMBOLISM of Columbia, we find both Common symbols denote farewell (shaking hands), a belief in the family graveyards and community cemeteries at crossroads afterlifeseparating (butterfly deceased emerged parents from fromchrysalis children and finger and spouses pointing from to villages such as Tenleytown, Brightwood, Hillsdale, and Ben- Heaven),one another. sorrow at a life cut short A walk through any of the city’s cemeteries presents nings. (broken chain and flower stem), and visitors with a plethora of imagery and symbolism specific blessingMaintenance (Cohanim hands). was irregular as most early graveyards had to Thesevarious choices cultural, – the religious, churchyard and social (for congregants), groups, as well the as no caretaker, but only someone who was paid to bury the Emblems are also frequently used to iconography that has become common among all classes, dead. Without much oversight, cemeteries became eyesores family cemetery (primarily for large landholders), and the denote membership in organizations and were crowded to the point where stacking bodies in the communityraces, and religions. cemetery From (at small the imagesvillages), carved along on with grave munici- - such as the Masons, Elks, Odd palstones, burial we grounds can begin (for to the understand destitute) not – were only the the only beliefs burial Fellows,same and grave Woodmen shaft becameof the World. commonplace. Increasing popula- optionsof individuals, available but to how residents those of beliefs the District have gained of Columbia or lost well tion density and concerns about contagion further brought intoimportance the 19th over century. the years Virtually and allhow cemeteries perceptions at this of death time were into question the appropriateness of having cemeteries in informallyhave changed. laid out and operated. Burials were typically the center of town. The ultimate demise of urban burial grounds in the District commenced with legislation in 1852 A few examples include lambs, which were used on which forbade new burial grounds within the boundaries The publicchildren’s vault graves at Congressional to symbolize Cemetery innocence; was a built hand in pointing 1835 of the Federal City – between the Anacostia and Potomac to hold the deceased temporarily while funeral arrangements upward showing that the soul of the departed has gone to Rivers, Rock Creek and Florida Avenue. From that date, all wereHeaven; made. Three a broken Presidents column and or two a flower First Ladies with werea broken kept stem here, including Dolley Madison, who remained for over two years while new cemeteries were located in the outlying Washington indicating a life cut short; and ivy, symbolic of undying af- funds were raised to bury her at Montpelier. County and before long, burials were being exhumed and fection or everlasting life. Fraternal emblems are common moved into the new grounds. In fact, several cemeteries were on gravestones and include the compass and square of relocated to the suburbs in their entirety. the Masons, the linked chain of the Odd Fellows, and tree stump markers for Woodmen of the World. At the same time, the Rural Cemetery Movement was gaining popularity throughout the nation. Corresponding with the sentimentality of the Victorian era, this entirely new approach to cemetery planning advocated burial grounds as places of beauty and tranquility, envisioning death as a sort of peaceful slumber rather than a pitiless finality. The sub- urban locations and meticulously planned designs of Rural cemeteries – with winding carriage paths, varied topography, and beautiful vistas – were a far cry from crowded, unkempt inner-city burial grounds. For the first time, people could purchase plots in advance, selecting their preferred location and providing enough space for family members to be buried together. Rural cemeteries introduced regular maintenance, sanitary measures, and security, and created a for-profit, landscape-focused business model. Romanesque style, while James Renwick’s Gothic Revival NO REST FOR chapel decorates the Oak Hill Cemetery grounds. The Van Ness mausoleum in Oak Hill was designed by George THE WEARY Hadfield after the Temple of Vesta in Rome and is also a designated landmark. MOVING BURIALS Another impor- The new Rural cemeteries in Washington – Oak Hill tant cemetery piece is (1849), Glenwood (1854), Prospect Hill (1858), and Mount also one of the most Olivet (1858), followed by Graceland (1872) and Wood- notable sculptural lawn (1895) – served not only the recently deceased, but works in the WASHINGTON’SDistrict also became home to the thousands of re-interments from of Columbia. Residing the city center. Throughout the second half of the 19th REMAININGin Rock Creek Church CEMETERIES and into the 20th century, bodies from virtually all of the Cemetery is Augustus District’s family burial grounds and dozens of the city’s Saint-Gaudens’ bronze Graniteearly mausoleums churchyards at were St. Mary’s relocated Cemetery. to the new cemeteries. sculpture The Mystery TheCritic-Record reported in 1884 that “popular inter- ofACTIVE the Hereafter CEMETERIES and est in the excavation of Holmead [Western] Cemetery is The Peace of God that 1. ROCK CREEK CHURCH (1719) To complement the elaborateness of rural cemeteries, Passeth Understand- on the increase if the crowds that assemble on the scene Rock Creek Church Road and Webster Street NW gravestones became more ornate as well, a tribute to 19th ing, more com- can be taken as an indication. Yesterday’s operations were Episcopal originally, now non-denominational century Victorian excess. Simple head- and footstones of unusual interest. Fifty men were at work and ten bod- monlyOldest calledoperating “Grief,” cemetery in Washington ieswere were supplanted exhumed.” by Overgrand 3,000 memorials bodies in were the ultimatelyform of obe - a memorial to Marian exhumedlisks, columns, from angels,Western and and other sent sculpturalto Graceland works. and ElegantRock “Clover”2. CONGRESSIONAL Adams, wife (1807) Creekstone mausoleumsCemeteries to – makewhich room house for above-ground residential develop burials- of1801 Henry E Street Adams. SE This The Adams Memorial was designed ment,– became taking fashionable the work andcrew reflected months tothe complete. popularity Other of the much-photographedNon-denominational by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens large-scaleGothic Revival, moves Egyptian include Revival,more than and 1,800 Neoclassical bodies from styles. allegoricalFounded under figure the is auspicesand of thearchitect Episcopal Stanford Church, White but for Foundry Methodist to Glenwood Cemetery in 1867, more onenon-denominational of Saint-Gaudens’ Marian “Clover” Adams, wife of Henry than 6,800 bodies from Graceland to Woodlawn Cemetery most significant Adams. 3. GEORGETOWN VISITATION CONVENT (1815) in 1895-1898, and 39,000 bodies from Payne’s Cemetery achievements. 1524 35th Street NW to National Harmony Memorial Park in Maryland in REST IN PEACE Catholic 1969. Such moves typically left some remains behind, as Unfortunately, some of the District’s cemeteries are notGraveyard in reputable is full condition, but crypt burialsparticularly available those for that members are no did some other, smaller burying grounds that were simply of the order only forgotten and built upon. longer in use. Neglect and vandalism have taken their toll WASHINGTON’S on the Mount Zion/Female Union Band and Holy Rood 4. OAK HILL (1849) cemeteries despite sporadic efforts to clean up. Commu- CEMETERIES TODAY 3001 R Street NW Non-denominational For the most part, the District’s remaining cemeteries First Rural Cemetery design in Washington are beautiful, restful open spaces featuring a number of prominent burials, significant artistic works, and architec- 5. ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME (1851) tural gems. Sophisticated carved headstones and architect- 21 Harewood Road NW designed chapels, receiving vaults, and gatehouses offer National Cemetery (Military) an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of funerary For veterans only, managed by the Army design. Mausoleums mimicking Greek temples and Gothic 6. GLENWOOD (1854) churches offer a roll-call of the city’s most prominent 2219 Lincoln Road NE families. Non-denominational

Active Cemeteries 20. UNION BURIAL SOCIETY OF Inactive Cemeteries GEORGETOWN (c. 1868) 2616 Chain Bridge Road African American Last burial c. 1966

21. WOODLAWN (1895-1970) 4611 Benning Road SE Non-denominational

22. BLUE PLAINS (1907-1967) D.C. Village Lane SE Includes burials from the Home for the Aged and Infirm, This 1866 sketch of Congressional Cemetery shows the romanticism Almshouse, Asylum, Smallpox Grounds, and various of the Rural Cemetery Movement and its appeal to the visiting potters’ fields public. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. No gravemarkers present 9. JEWISH CONGREGATIONS (beginning 1869) INACTIVEfirst to follow the CEMETERIES tenets of the Rural Cemetery Movement 1380-1400 Alabama Avenue SE in D.C. Oak Hill was “laid out on a most romantic site, Jewish 13.with JESUIT great taste (c. 1808)and judgment” in 1849. It was designed Adjacent cemeteries; some are in use, some are inactive Georgetownby civil engineer University George campus de la Roche with steeply graded Catholicpaths and drives, a fountain, and expansive views over 10. ST. MARY’S (1875) ForRock Georgetown Creek, and University was deemed faculty “worth only visiting” in tourist 2121 Lincoln Road NE literature of the day. Its well-maintained, terraced land- Catholic 14. MT. ZION METHODIST/FEMALE UNION scape and chapel attracted lot purchasers, despite the pres- BAND (c. 1808-1950) 11. FRANCISCAN MONASTERY (1901) Millence Roadof a number NW, east of ofreligious 26th Street cemeteries in the vicinity. 1400 Quincy Street NE MethodistGlenwood and (1854), non-denominational Prospect Hill (1858), and Mount Catholic AdjacentOlivet (1858) cemeteries, followed also soon incorporates after and Montgomery all demonstrate Street ele - For members of the order only mentsMethodist of the ChurchRural Cemetery cemetery Movement. They were cre- 12. NATIONAL CAPITAL HEBREW (1911) 15.ated HOLY well outside ROOD the (1832-1984) city’s developed area, featured bucolic 4708 Fable Street 2128landscaping Wisconsin and Avenuecurving NWroads, and encouraged visits with DesignedCapitol by Heights,George de MD la Roche in 1849, Oak Hill retains much of Catholictheir serene settings and carefully tended grounds. The its historicJewish appearance with steeply graded topography and ornate shore of the Rock Creek Cemetery pond, for instance, was monuments.Straddles the DC- 16.a picturesque TENLEYTOWN spot to purchaseMETHODIST a burial (1847-1989) plot or to spend an Maryland line 4100afternoon block ofpicnicking. Murdock Mill Road NW graveyards of the past, where visitors were lucky to find Non-denominational even a walkway or a single tree among the roughly grid- ded layout of simple headstones. Whereas the old burials 17. COLORED UNION BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION (1870-1889) grounds were places to avoid, Mount Auburn and other Adams Mill Road and Calvert Street NW cemeteries of the Rural Cemetery Movement were park- African American like respites where visiting was encouraged and welcomed. In Walter Peirce Park. Partially moved, no gravemarkers Mortuary symbolism evolved as well, no longer featuring remain hourglasses or other reminders of mortality and impend- ing judgment. Gravestones of the 19th century celebrated 18. ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL (1856-1983) the deceased, who would reap the benefits of a tangible Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE afterlife and forever abide in the memory of the living. Government-owned Two cemeteries, on East and West Campuses Cities rushed to copy the elegance and popularity of Mount Auburn. Georgetown’s Oak Hill Cemetery was the 19. BATTLEGROUND NATIONAL (1864-1936) The lake at Rock Creek Cemetery 6625 circaGeorgia 1912 Avenue and in 2012. NW Top - The Historical Society of Washington, National D.C. Cemetery (Military) For veterans of the Battle of Fort Stevens

Active Cemeteries 20. UNION BURIAL SOCIETY OF Inactive Cemeteries GEORGETOWN (c. 1868) 2616 Chain Bridge Road African American Last burial c. 1966

21. WOODLAWN (1895-1970) 4611 Benning Road SE Non-denominational

22. BLUE PLAINS (1907-1967) D.C. Village Lane SE Includes burials from the Home for the Aged and Infirm, This 1866 sketch of Congressional Cemetery shows the romanticism Almshouse, Asylum, Smallpox Grounds, and various of the Rural Cemetery Movement and its appeal to the visiting potters’ fields public. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. No gravemarkers present Other cemeteries for Washington’s neediest citizens are Bolling Air Force Base once held the highest concen- longWHEN gone. These included DEATHthe Washington City Orphan tration of NativeCITIES American burials yet OF discovered in the Asylum at H Street NW between 9th and 10th, which District. Two ossuaries, where bones were placed after was foundedHAS in 1815 for COMEthe children of deceased War of they were cleaned,THE were discovered DEAD during construction in 1812 soldiers; the Asylum for Aged and Destitute Colored the 1930s. Each ossuary contained the remains of sixty to RefugeesHISTORIC and Colored Orphans, OVERVIEW established during the seventy individuals. These burials may be associated with Civil War at 35th and R Streets NW; the Industrial Home theTHE village of RURALNacotchtank, which CEMETERY was a permanent Native School,OF which WASHINGTON had several addresses over the years and American settlement on the eastern shore of the Anacostia whose burials are unlocated; and the National Training River. MOVEMENT School for CEMETERIESBoys, whose cemetery adjoined the Veitch family’s on South Dakota Avenue near 33rd Street NE. The Rural Cemetery Movement had its origins in Boston,RELIGIOUS where crowded BURIAL inner-city GROUNDSgraveyards were under NATIVEThe notable AMERICAN Government Hospital BURIALS for the Insane, now scrutiny for the same reasons as in other large cities – known as St. Elizabeths, contains two burial grounds, one overcrowding,When early neglect,European fear residents of pestilence, were located and the close incon- Longon the before West GeorgeCampus Washington (1856) and selectedone on the the East area Campus at venienceenough to of churches, having a burialmost burials ground took in the place center in the of achurch bur- - the (c.confluence 1873). The of theother eastern federal and burial western grounds branches that remainof the in geoningyards. The downtown. oldest churches Mount Auburnwere concentrated Cemetery, in designed the port Potomacthe District River ofas Columbiathe site of theare newits two Federal military City, cemeteries, Native intown what of cameGeorgetown to be called or were the builtRural in Cemetery outlying areasaesthetic, as Americansthe Armed had Forces used this Retirement adaptable Home region (1861) as both and a temBattle- - addressed these problems with an entirely new concept of poraryground and Nationalpermanent Cemetery, base for forhunting, the veterans fishing, of andthe Battlehabi- of the burial place. tation.Fort Although Stevens (1864). only a scant number of Native American burialsAlthough have been outside discovered, the District they have of Columbia, begun to helpmention us understandof Arlington the daily National lives, Cemetery religious beliefs,is warranted and customs since this of Washington’svenerable burialearliest ground inhabitants. contains thousands of Civil War Excavationssoldiers who for died the in construction Washington’s of militarythe Whitehurst hospitals and Freewaycamps near as well the asmouth African of Rock American Creek freedpeople revealed a highly who had intactsought burial asylum from thein Washington Middle Woodland during period,the war. dating Because of to aboutthe acute AD need750. The for burial deceased space was – anda female to spite who the was Confed - crematederacy – and the then federal buried government with ceremonial sent the objectsbodies acrosssuch the as anPotomac antler hairpiece, River for intermentstone pendants, on land drilled belonging shark toteeth, Con - decorativefederate disks General and Robertbeads, andE. Lee. well-preserved textiles. The grave goods indicate that she was a woman of high status and suggest belief in an afterlife where her spirit may have need of these items.

Mount Olivet was established in 1858 and became the city’s primary Established in 1849 and shown here circa 1920, Oak Hill is Washing- Catholic burial ground with a number of bodies relocated here from ton’s first Rural Cemetery.National Photo Company collection, Prints & churchyards. Photographs Division, Library of Congress, LC-F82-3229.

“chapels of ease,” small houses of worship established by Foundedcongregants in 1831, who wereMount located Auburn too was far fromlocated the far par out- - sideish church Boston to on attend. a sprawling Early Catholics,70-acre parcel. such Severalas Richard factors setQueen it apart and from James every Barry other sometimes cemetery built to date:chapels it was on theirin- tentionallyown property designed to avoid and the formally persecution laid out; they it had was experi a secular,- profit-drivenenced in England. venture; Rock and Creek it was Church, meant whichto be astarted peaceful as a respitesmall Anglican that would chapel draw of visitors ease and from burial the groundcity in the around days Battleground is one of the smallest National Cemeteries in the before1719, served public theparks few existed. inhabitants Drawing of what on Romantic-erawas then Prince country and is the resting place of the veterans of the Battle of Fort interestGeorge’s in County. nature, Now its hilly open site to featured all religions, a meticulously Rock Creek Stevens, which took place in July 1864. Forty Union soldiers were designedChurch Cemetery, landscape bounded with meandering by North roads Capitol and Street, footpaths, New buried here immediately following the skirmish with one addition- Artifacts recovered from a Native American grave found heavyHampshire plantings, Avenue, elegant and monuments,Rock Creek Churchand thoughtfully Road NW, ar is- alduring veteran excavations interred in for 1936. the Whitehurst Freeway. rangedone of avistas. handful These of colonial features cemeteries were a departure that remain from active the in the United States. Other cemeteries for Washington’s neediest citizens are Bolling Air Force Base once held the highest concen- longWHEN gone. These included DEATHthe Washington City Orphan tration of NativeCITIES American burials yet OF discovered in the Asylum at H Street NW between 9th and 10th, which District. Two ossuaries, where bones were placed after was foundedHAS in 1815 for COMEthe children of deceased War of they were cleaned,THE were discovered DEAD during construction in 1812 soldiers; the Asylum for Aged and Destitute Colored the 1930s. Each ossuary contained the remains of sixty to RefugeesHISTORIC and Colored Orphans, OVERVIEW established during the seventy individuals. These burials may be associated with Civil War at 35th and R Streets NW; the Industrial Home theTHE village of RURALNacotchtank, which CEMETERY was a permanent Native School,OF which WASHINGTON had several addresses over the years and American settlement on the eastern shore of the Anacostia whose burials are unlocated; and the National Training River. MOVEMENT School for CEMETERIESBoys, whose cemetery adjoined the Veitch family’s on South Dakota Avenue near 33rd Street NE. The Rural Cemetery Movement had its origins in Boston,RELIGIOUS where crowded BURIAL inner-city GROUNDSgraveyards were under NATIVEThe notable AMERICAN Government Hospital BURIALS for the Insane, now scrutiny for the same reasons as in other large cities – known as St. Elizabeths, contains two burial grounds, one overcrowding,When early neglect,European fear residents of pestilence, were located and the close incon- Longon the before West GeorgeCampus Washington (1856) and selectedone on the the East area Campus at venienceenough to of churches, having a burialmost burials ground took in the place center in the of achurch bur- - the (c.confluence 1873). The of theother eastern federal and burial western grounds branches that remainof the in geoningyards. The downtown. oldest churches Mount Auburnwere concentrated Cemetery, in designed the port Potomacthe District River ofas Columbiathe site of theare newits two Federal military City, cemeteries, Native intown what of cameGeorgetown to be called or were the builtRural in Cemetery outlying areasaesthetic, as Americansthe Armed had Forces used this Retirement adaptable Home region (1861) as both and a temBattle- - addressed these problems with an entirely new concept of poraryground and Nationalpermanent Cemetery, base for forhunting, the veterans fishing, of andthe Battlehabi- of the burial place. tation.Fort Although Stevens (1864). only a scant number of Native American burialsAlthough have been outside discovered, the District they have of Columbia, begun to helpmention us understandof Arlington the daily National lives, Cemetery religious beliefs,is warranted and customs since this of Washington’svenerable burialearliest ground inhabitants. contains thousands of Civil War Excavationssoldiers who for died the in construction Washington’s of militarythe Whitehurst hospitals and Freewaycamps near as well the asmouth African of Rock American Creek freedpeople revealed a highly who had intactsought burial asylum from thein Washington Middle Woodland during period,the war. dating Because of to aboutthe acute AD need750. The for burial deceased space was – anda female to spite who the was Confed - crematederacy – and the then federal buried government with ceremonial sent the objectsbodies acrosssuch the as anPotomac antler hairpiece, River for intermentstone pendants, on land drilled belonging shark toteeth, Con - decorativefederate disks General and Robertbeads, andE. Lee. well-preserved textiles. The grave goods indicate that she was a woman of high status and suggest belief in an afterlife where her spirit may have need of these items.

“chapels of ease,” small houses of worship established by Foundedcongregants in 1831, who wereMount located Auburn too was far fromlocated the far par out- - sideish church Boston to on attend. a sprawling Early Catholics,70-acre parcel. such Severalas Richard factors setQueen it apart and from James every Barry other sometimes cemetery built to date:chapels it was on theirin- tentionallyown property designed to avoid and the formally persecution laid out; they it had was experi a secular,- profit-drivenenced in England. venture; Rock and Creek it was Church, meant whichto be astarted peaceful as a respitesmall Anglican that would chapel draw of visitors ease and from burial the groundcity in the around days Battleground is one of the smallest National Cemeteries in the before1719, served public theparks few existed. inhabitants Drawing of what on Romantic-erawas then Prince country and is the resting place of the veterans of the Battle of Fort interestGeorge’s in County. nature, Now its hilly open site to featured all religions, a meticulously Rock Creek Stevens, which took place in July 1864. Forty Union soldiers were designedChurch Cemetery, landscape bounded with meandering by North roads Capitol and Street, footpaths, New buried here immediately following the skirmish with one addition- Artifacts recovered from a Native American grave found heavyHampshire plantings, Avenue, elegant and monuments,Rock Creek Churchand thoughtfully Road NW, ar is- alduring veteran excavations interred in for 1936. the Whitehurst Freeway. rangedone of avistas. handful These of colonial features cemeteries were a departure that remain from active the in the United States. Congressdevelopment Avenues, and whererelocated a complex some 3,000 of Jewish bodies cemeter to Rock- iesCreek developed Church following and Graceland the establishment Cemeteries of in Macpelah the last quar - Cemeteryter of the for 19th the century. Adas Israel congregation in 1869. Other congregations and organizations that have added their Another type of public burial ground, once common own burying grounds include Elesavetgrad, Ohev Sholom, in many American cities, was the potter’s field. Generally Washington Hebrew, and Talmud Torah. used in the wake of an epidemic or to bury the poor and indigent,The only these confirmed graveyards Baptist were cemetery frequently in unplanned Washington and wastemporary associated in withnature. Macedonia The District’s Baptist primary Church, potter’s founded field inwas 1866. located Located at Independence on Sheridan Road Avenue SE, andit may 19th have Street been SE, themoved Howard here family from graveyardthe Shaw areafirst, in or1846. it may It wasbe associated associated withwith that the name Washington because Asylum, the first which pastor combined was the Reverend the former JamesAlmshouse Howard (or (or Poorhouse), both). Historic the jail,plats a showfemale old workhouse, and new sectionsand a smallpox of graveyard hospital. located As northa complex, of the the church Asylum building. pro- Initially an Anglican (Episcopal) burial ground, Rock Creek Church Burialsvided tooka home place and, here later, from a final at least resting 1874 placethrough for “the1917 poor, Cemetery is now non-denominational and contains a number of The Union Burial Society andinfirm, were mostly,diseased, but vagrant, not exclusively, disorderly African persons, American. prisoners, Eastern Orthodox graves in its northeastern section. of Georgetown served and paupers.” One important early religious graveyard worth noting a sizeable community of newly freed African is theA inactive visitor in Holy 1871 Rood described Cemetery, its doleful which appearance: was established Georgetown was an active port before the District of Americans who had in 1832 just north of Georgetown to provide more space Columbia was created and was homecongregated to several of around the city’s for Catholic“We stoodburials. at Holylast amongst Rood is theone graves of the offew the cemeter Alms-- oldest churchyards, representing eachBattery of the Kemblemajor Chris seeking- ies withhouse recorded dead—those slave burials, who have offering escaped a rare the dissectingglimpse of tian denominations. Georgetown Lutheranprotection was duringfounded the in the city’sknife. slave-owning Scattered about past with by providing little stones names, and moundsdates of Civil War. 1766 and burials are believed to have taken place begin- death,here and and ages there, of those under who the were occasional considered sullen the green property of ning soon after. Still located at 1556 Wisconsin Avenue of others.cedars, a dead-cart and a spade sticking up as sym- NW, the churchyard contains no grave markers. Congre- bols, and the neglected river, deserted as the Styx, gants of Bridge Street Presbyterian Church were buried Religious[s]plashing interments against thetapered low banks,off by wethe feltmiddle the sober of the- GOVERNMENTaround their church, located CEMETERIES on the southeast corner of 19thing century melancholy as churchyards of the spot…” began to reach capacity. Most

gomery Street. The west end of the burial ground Eastern and Western Cemeteries were located “at a was subsequently sold to the Female Union Band proper distance from the populous parts of the city to Society for the burial of their free black members. accommodate the inhabitants at either end.” Eastern Located on Mill Road behind the 2600 block was located between 13th, 14th, H, and I Streets NE and of Q Street NW, the cemetery remains in place Western at 19th, 20th, S Street, and Florida Avenue NW. although no burials have occurred since 1950. Although open to all religious denominations, they were raciallyFollowing segregated, religious using tradition, a fence to cemeteries separate enslavedfor and freeJewish blacks congregations from whites. were Eastern not locatedCemetery adjacent was quickly abandonedto their respective as it was synagogues, found to be buttoo weremarshy situated for burials, andoutside Congressional densely settled Cemetery areas. took The itsfirst place known for residents ofJewish this portion burial groundof the city. was Western on 17th Cemetery,Street NW, often called Holmead’snorth of Florida because Avenue it was establishedand was in useon landby the obtained from1850s. Anthony Interments Holmead, were laterremained moved in to active South- use through theeast, mid-1800s. near today’s The intersection city then sold of Alabama the cemetery and land for Congressdevelopment Avenues, and whererelocated a complex some 3,000 of Jewish bodies cemeter to Rock- iesCreek developed Church following and Graceland the establishment Cemeteries of in Macpelah the last quar - Cemeteryter of the for 19th the century. Adas Israel congregation in 1869. Other congregations and organizations that have added their Another type of public burial ground, once common own burying grounds include Elesavetgrad, Ohev Sholom, in many American cities, was the potter’s field. Generally Washington Hebrew, and Talmud Torah. used in the wake of an epidemic or to bury the poor and indigent,The only these confirmed graveyards Baptist were cemetery frequently in unplanned Washington and wastemporary associated in withnature. Macedonia The District’s Baptist primary Church, potter’s founded field inwas 1866. located Located at Independence on Sheridan Road Avenue SE, andit may 19th have Street been SE, themoved Howard here family from graveyardthe Shaw areafirst, in or1846. it may It wasbe associated associated withwith that the name Washington because Asylum, the first which pastor combined was the Reverend the former JamesAlmshouse Howard (or (or Poorhouse), both). Historic the jail,plats a showfemale old workhouse, and new sectionsand a smallpox of graveyard hospital. located As northa complex, of the the church Asylum building. pro- Initially an Anglican (Episcopal) burial ground, Rock Creek Church Burialsvided tooka home place and, here later, from a final at least resting 1874 placethrough for “the1917 poor, Cemetery is now non-denominational and contains a number of The Union Burial Society andinfirm, were mostly,diseased, but vagrant, not exclusively, disorderly African persons, American. prisoners, Eastern Orthodox graves in its northeastern section. of Georgetown served and paupers.” One important early religious graveyard worth noting a sizeable community of newly freed African is theA inactive visitor in Holy 1871 Rood described Cemetery, its doleful which appearance: was established Georgetown was an active port before the District of Americans who had in 1832 just north of Georgetown to provide more space Columbia was created and was homecongregated to several of around the city’s for Catholic“We stoodburials. at Holylast amongst Rood is theone graves of the offew the cemeter Alms-- oldest churchyards, representing eachBattery of the Kemblemajor Chris seeking- ies withhouse recorded dead—those slave burials, who have offering escaped a rare the dissectingglimpse of tian denominations. Georgetown Lutheranprotection was duringfounded the in the city’sknife. slave-owning Scattered about past with by providing little stones names, and moundsdates of Civil War. 1766 and burials are believed to have taken place begin- death,here and and ages there, of those under who the were occasional considered sullen the green property of ning soon after. Still located at 1556 Wisconsin Avenue of others.cedars, a dead-cart and a spade sticking up as sym- NW, the churchyard contains no grave markers. Congre- bols, and the neglected river, deserted as the Styx, gants of Bridge Street Presbyterian Church were buried Religious[s]plashing interments against thetapered low banks,off by wethe feltmiddle the sober of the- GOVERNMENTaround their church, located CEMETERIES on the southeast corner of 19thing century melancholy as churchyards of the spot…” began to reach capacity. Most

30th and M Street, beginning around 1782, while those burials were subsequently exhumed and removed to newer Despite the abundance of open spaces in Pierre In the early 20th century, those buried at the Asylum of Holy Trinity Catholic Church were being interred by cemeteries to make room for development within the L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for the City of Washington, no ac- were moved to the city’s Home for the Aged and Infirm, 1789 (and possibly as early as 1767) on the south side of O burgeoning city. commodations were made for burial grounds for the city’s later called D.C. Village, in far Southeast Washington. This between 35th and 36th Streets NW. residents. Churches, synagogues, burial societies, and cemetery remains, although there are no individual grave individual families had already taken on the responsibility The roads at Mount Olivet are named after the parishes that Burials began at Montgomery Street Methodist Church establishedmarkers the at cemetery the site. – St. Dominic’s, St. Matthew’s, St. Peter’s, ofby providing 1808, although resting the places church for thewas deceased. founded in But 1772. within The a St. Patrick’s, St. Aloysius, and St. Mary’s. A number of priests and fewcemetery short years allowed of the burials founding of both of blackthe capital, and white burial members, space nuns from various Catholic orders are buried in dedicated sections. was in such high demand that the government stepped in. but was segregated by race. The grounds were These old stones were relocated to Rock Creek Church Cemetery from Inlater 1798, leased the Corporationto Mount Zion of MethodistWashington Episcopal, created two very Western Cemetery along with their respective interments. earlya black examples congregation of public that cemeteries split off from in America. Mont- gomery Street. The west end of the burial ground Eastern and Western Cemeteries were located “at a was subsequently sold to the Female Union Band proper distance from the populous parts of the city to Society for the burial of their free black members. accommodate the inhabitants at either end.” Eastern Located on Mill Road behind the 2600 block was located between 13th, 14th, H, and I Streets NE and of Q Street NW, the cemetery remains in place Western at 19th, 20th, S Street, and Florida Avenue NW. although no burials have occurred since 1950. Although open to all religious denominations, they were raciallyFollowing segregated, religious using tradition, a fence to cemeteries separate enslavedfor and freeJewish blacks congregations from whites. were Eastern not locatedCemetery adjacent was quickly abandonedto their respective as it was synagogues, found to be buttoo weremarshy situated for burials, andoutside Congressional densely settled Cemetery areas. took The itsfirst place known for residents ofJewish this portion burial groundof the city. was Western on 17th Cemetery,Street NW, often called Holmead’snorth of Florida because Avenue it was establishedand was in useon landby the obtained from1850s. Anthony Interments Holmead, were laterremained moved in to active South- use through theeast, mid-1800s. near today’s The intersection city then sold of Alabama the cemetery and land for Swartz family had a graveyard on their property near FAMILY BURIAL GROUNDS Brightwood throughout the 19th century, and by 1883, there were sixteen burials recorded there. Rezin Addison, When a family could not reasonably transport members born a slave in Maryland in about 1830, started a family for burial at a church, they interred them on their own cemetery on his farm in the vicinity of Tenley Circle after property. After a family burial ground was established, it Emancipation. frequently continued to be used, even when closer places As with white family cemeteries, several African Ameri- for burial became available. Typical family burial grounds can family burial grounds expanded to become larger were located on a high point in a farm field or at its edge, community cemeteries. One such site, belonging to the where they were walled or fenced to protect them from Henson-Smith family, was located in Congress Heights. livestock. Sometimes they were placed closer to the house Tobias Henson had purchased his own freedom in 1813, in the front or rear yard, but usually far from the family’s and was later able to secure thatHoly of hisRood wife, (above) two daughters,was the water source. Mounded earth, fieldstones, or wood were and five grandchildren. Theirfinal family resting cemetery place atof today’smany Irish used to mark graves – except for the wealthiest settlers, Congress Street between 13th CatholicsPlace and while Savannah Prospect Place Hill Pictured in 1931, the Female Union Band Society Cemetery who could afford to send to Europe or New England for SE, contained over a hundred (left)African was American the primary burials cemetery by is adjacent to the Montgomery Street/Mount Zion Methodist for German Lutherans. Like this carved headstones. Later, after stonecarvers established the last quarter of the 19th century, indicating a broader Cemetery in Georgetown. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. one, many of Prospect Hill’s themselves in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Frederick, use than by just the family. The graves remained through gravestones are inscribed in Maryland in the early to mid-19th century, headstones the 1950s, when they were relocatedGerman. to Lincoln Cemetery movedbecame to more a new common. Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Wash- in Maryland. ington County at 9th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE. FromIn 1880some through cases, family about grounds 1920, this became was most the foundationthe active Other early church cemeteries include: blackfor larger burial community ground in cemeteriesthe city, adding and weretwelve eventually acres to the AFRICAN AMERICAN St. Patrick’s, Catholic, 9th, 10th, F, and G Streets NW existingturned overseventeen to a church, in 1886. cemetery In 1960, board, the burials, or manage- number- BURIAL(c. 1797) SOCIETIES ing approximately 37,000, were moved again, this time to Barry’s Chapel, Catholic, Half and O Streets SW (c. 1805) Maryland,Eliza Van Horn and wasthe site buried is now in 1815 the locationin the family of the cemetery Rhode of Quaker,From Adams a very earlyMill Roaddate, freenear African Calvert American Street NW resi (1807)- Islandthe Youngs, Avenue Bealls, Metro and station. Sheriffs, who were related by marriage. Congressional,dents of Washington Episcopal, had anotherPotomac option Avenue for SE burial (1807) besides TheOther burial burial ground society was in cemeteries the vicinity were of today’s the Female Eastland Union St.churchyards John’s, Episcopal, or private Lafayette property Square – mutual (c. 1809) benevolent (or BandGardens Society community. (1842) on The Mill Historical Road Society at 26th of Street Washington, NW; the D.C. St.beneficial) Peter’s, Catholic, society cemeteries.2nd and C StreetsThese SEenterprising (c. 1821) organiza- Free Young Men’s Benevolent Association, also called Ebenezertions collected Methodist minimal Cemetery, dues from 17th, members 18th, D, to and cover E Streets their Young Men’s Baptist or Mount Pleasant Plains Cemetery funeralSE (1824) expenses, sometimes offering additional financial located between 12th, 13th, V, and W Streets NW (c. Ebenezersupport to African their spouses Methodist and Episcopalchildren. 16th, 17th, C, and 1857); the Union Burial Society of Georgetown, located DThe Streets first SE to (broke form fromwas the Ebenezer Columbian in 1838) Harmony Society at 2616 Chain Bridge Road NW (1868); and the Colored in 1825, which opened Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Union Benevolent Society on Adams Mill Road NW in 1829 between 5th, 6th, S, and Florida Avenue NW. After today’s Walter Peirce Park (1870). Of these, only the Chain the city’s 1852 prohibition of burials, the graves were Bridge Road and Mill Road sites remain intact.

Two views of the Columbia Harmony Cemetery in 1960, just before The first burial in the National Capital Hebrew Cemetery on relocation of burials to Maryland. Smithsonian Archives Center at Southern Avenue was in 1911. American History. Swartz family had a graveyard on their property near FAMILY BURIAL GROUNDS Brightwood throughout the 19th century, and by 1883, there were sixteen burials recorded there. Rezin Addison, When a family could not reasonably transport members born a slave in Maryland in about 1830, started a family for burial at a church, they interred them on their own cemetery on his farm in the vicinity of Tenley Circle after property. After a family burial ground was established, it Emancipation. frequently continued to be used, even when closer places As with white family cemeteries, several African Ameri- for burial became available. Typical family burial grounds can family burial grounds expanded to become larger were located on a high point in a farm field or at its edge, community cemeteries. One such site, belonging to the where they were walled or fenced to protect them from Henson-Smith family, was located in Congress Heights. livestock. Sometimes they were placed closer to the house Tobias Henson had purchased his own freedom in 1813, in the front or rear yard, but usually far from the family’s and was later able to secure thatHoly of hisRood wife, (above) two daughters,was the water source. Mounded earth, fieldstones, or wood were and five grandchildren. Theirfinal family resting cemetery place atof today’smany Irish used to mark graves – except for the wealthiest settlers, Congress Street between 13th CatholicsPlace and while Savannah Prospect Place Hill Pictured in 1931, the Female Union Band Society Cemetery who could afford to send to Europe or New England for SE, contained over a hundred (left)African was American the primary burials cemetery by is adjacent to the Montgomery Street/Mount Zion Methodist for German Lutherans. Like this carved headstones. Later, after stonecarvers established the last quarter of the 19th century, indicating a broader Cemetery in Georgetown. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. one, many of Prospect Hill’s themselves in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Frederick, use than by just the family. The graves remained through gravestones are inscribed in Maryland in the early to mid-19th century, headstones the 1950s, when they were relocatedGerman. to Lincoln Cemetery movedbecame to more a new common. Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Wash- in Maryland. ington County at 9th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE. FromIn 1880some through cases, family about grounds 1920, this became was most the foundationthe active Other early church cemeteries include: blackfor larger burial community ground in cemeteriesthe city, adding and weretwelve eventually acres to the AFRICAN AMERICAN St. Patrick’s, Catholic, 9th, 10th, F, and G Streets NW existingturned overseventeen to a church, in 1886. cemetery In 1960, board, the burials, or manage- number- BURIAL(c. 1797) SOCIETIES ing approximately 37,000, were moved again, this time to Barry’s Chapel, Catholic, Half and O Streets SW (c. 1805) Maryland,Eliza Van Horn and wasthe site buried is now in 1815 the locationin the family of the cemetery Rhode of Quaker,From Adams a very earlyMill Roaddate, freenear African Calvert American Street NW resi (1807)- Islandthe Youngs, Avenue Bealls, Metro and station. Sheriffs, who were related by marriage. Congressional,dents of Washington Episcopal, had anotherPotomac option Avenue for SE burial (1807) besides TheOther burial burial ground society was in cemeteries the vicinity were of today’s the Female Eastland Union St.churchyards John’s, Episcopal, or private Lafayette property Square – mutual (c. 1809) benevolent (or BandGardens Society community. (1842) on The Mill Historical Road Society at 26th of Street Washington, NW; the D.C. St.beneficial) Peter’s, Catholic, society cemeteries.2nd and C StreetsThese SEenterprising (c. 1821) organiza- Free Young Men’s Benevolent Association, also called Ebenezertions collected Methodist minimal Cemetery, dues from 17th, members 18th, D, to and cover E Streets their Young Men’s Baptist or Mount Pleasant Plains Cemetery funeralSE (1824) expenses, sometimes offering additional financial located between 12th, 13th, V, and W Streets NW (c. Ebenezersupport to African their spouses Methodist and Episcopalchildren. 16th, 17th, C, and 1857); the Union Burial Society of Georgetown, located DThe Streets first SE to (broke form fromwas the Ebenezer Columbian in 1838) Harmony Society at 2616 Chain Bridge Road NW (1868); and the Colored in 1825, which opened Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Union Benevolent Society on Adams Mill Road NW in 1829 between 5th, 6th, S, and Florida Avenue NW. After today’s Walter Peirce Park (1870). Of these, only the Chain the city’s 1852 prohibition of burials, the graves were Bridge Road and Mill Road sites remain intact.

Two views of the Columbia Harmony Cemetery in 1960, just before The first burial in the National Capital Hebrew Cemetery on relocation of burials to Maryland. Smithsonian Archives Center at Southern Avenue was in 1911. American History. Although scant information is available on the location or number of burials, slave cemeteries are likely associated with slaveholding families such as the Shoemakers near Peirce Mill; the Veitches in the Fort Lincoln area; the Lyles, Murdock, Marshall, Loughborough, and Dyer families near Tenleytown; and the Bealls at Bennings. Following the Civil War, more references to African American family graveyards begin appear in the historic record. For instance, the Belt family’s cemetery on their farm north of Tenleytown was in use by 1880, as was the McPherson family grounds in the Hillsdale area. The

Richard Queen’s family plot was willed to the Catholic church in 1794 along with the accompanying chapel he had built, giving the area the name Queen’s Chapel. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

ment company. For instance, there were reportedly family burials present on a parcel of land that Colonel Charles Beatty donated to Georgetown Lutheran for church burials in 1766. The Holmead family grounds became Western Cemetery, which was owned and operated by the District government, while the Moore family plot, in existence by the mid-19th century, gradually became used for community burials and was formally incorporated as Rosemont Cemetery around 1930. Like church graveyards, most domestic burial grounds are rare survivors in urban areas such as the District of Columbia. Development pressures and the value of real estate caused many families to remove their loved ones for reinterment elsewhere. Over a hundred African American and white family cemeteries have been recorded in the District, yet none is known to survive, their occupants having found a permanent home in newer cemeteries or their location lost to time.

AFRICAN AMERICAN BURIAL GROUNDS

Little is known about the burial of enslaved and early free blacks of the District of Columbia (slavery was abolished here in April 1862). In the Mid-Atlantic region, enslaved persons on rural properties were traditionally Payne’s Cemetery on Benning Road NE had been in use for over buried adjacent to the owning family’s burial ground. 100 years when over 30,000 African American burials were In some instances, they were interred in a separate slave moved to National Harmony Memorial Park in Maryland in graveyard elsewhere on the property in a spot considered 1969. Top - Baist’s Real Estate Atlas 1967, bottom - The Historical to be of little agricultural value. Society of Washington, D.C. Swartz family had a graveyard on their property near FAMILY BURIAL GROUNDS Brightwood throughout the 19th century, and by 1883, there were sixteen burials recorded there. Rezin Addison, When a family could not reasonably transport members born a slave in Maryland in about 1830, started a family for burial at a church, they interred them on their own cemetery on his farm in the vicinity of Tenley Circle after property. After a family burial ground was established, it Emancipation. frequently continued to be used, even when closer places As with white family cemeteries, several African Ameri- for burial became available. Typical family burial grounds can family burial grounds expanded to become larger were located on a high point in a farm field or at its edge, community cemeteries. One such site, belonging to the where they were walled or fenced to protect them from Henson-Smith family, was located in Congress Heights. livestock. Sometimes they were placed closer to the house Tobias Henson had purchased his own freedom in 1813, in the front or rear yard, but usually far from the family’s and was later able to secure thatHoly of hisRood wife, (above) two daughters,was the water source. Mounded earth, fieldstones, or wood were and five grandchildren. Theirfinal family resting cemetery place atof today’smany Irish used to mark graves – except for the wealthiest settlers, Congress Street between 13th CatholicsPlace and while Savannah Prospect Place Hill Pictured in 1931, the Female Union Band Society Cemetery who could afford to send to Europe or New England for SE, contained over a hundred (left)African was American the primary burials cemetery by is adjacent to the Montgomery Street/Mount Zion Methodist for German Lutherans. Like this carved headstones. Later, after stonecarvers established the last quarter of the 19th century, indicating a broader Cemetery in Georgetown. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. one, many of Prospect Hill’s themselves in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Frederick, use than by just the family. The graves remained through gravestones are inscribed in Maryland in the early to mid-19th century, headstones the 1950s, when they were relocatedGerman. to Lincoln Cemetery movedbecame to more a new common. Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Wash- in Maryland. ington County at 9th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE. FromIn 1880some through cases, family about grounds 1920, this became was most the foundationthe active Other early church cemeteries include: blackfor larger burial community ground in cemeteriesthe city, adding and weretwelve eventually acres to the AFRICAN AMERICAN St. Patrick’s, Catholic, 9th, 10th, F, and G Streets NW existingturned overseventeen to a church, in 1886. cemetery In 1960, board, the burials, or manage- number- BURIAL(c. 1797) SOCIETIES ing approximately 37,000, were moved again, this time to Barry’s Chapel, Catholic, Half and O Streets SW (c. 1805) Maryland,Eliza Van Horn and wasthe site buried is now in 1815 the locationin the family of the cemetery Rhode of Quaker,From Adams a very earlyMill Roaddate, freenear African Calvert American Street NW resi (1807)- Islandthe Youngs, Avenue Bealls, Metro and station. Sheriffs, who were related by marriage. Congressional,dents of Washington Episcopal, had anotherPotomac option Avenue for SE burial (1807) besides TheOther burial burial ground society was in cemeteries the vicinity were of today’s the Female Eastland Union St.churchyards John’s, Episcopal, or private Lafayette property Square – mutual (c. 1809) benevolent (or BandGardens Society community. (1842) on The Mill Historical Road Society at 26th of Street Washington, NW; the D.C. St.beneficial) Peter’s, Catholic, society cemeteries.2nd and C StreetsThese SEenterprising (c. 1821) organiza- Free Young Men’s Benevolent Association, also called Ebenezertions collected Methodist minimal Cemetery, dues from 17th, members 18th, D, to and cover E Streets their Young Men’s Baptist or Mount Pleasant Plains Cemetery funeralSE (1824) expenses, sometimes offering additional financial located between 12th, 13th, V, and W Streets NW (c. Ebenezersupport to African their spouses Methodist and Episcopalchildren. 16th, 17th, C, and 1857); the Union Burial Society of Georgetown, located DThe Streets first SE to (broke form fromwas the Ebenezer Columbian in 1838) Harmony Society at 2616 Chain Bridge Road NW (1868); and the Colored in 1825, which opened Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Union Benevolent Society on Adams Mill Road NW in 1829 between 5th, 6th, S, and Florida Avenue NW. After today’s Walter Peirce Park (1870). Of these, only the Chain the city’s 1852 prohibition of burials, the graves were Bridge Road and Mill Road sites remain intact.

Two views of the Columbia Harmony Cemetery in 1960, just before The first burial in the National Capital Hebrew Cemetery on relocation of burials to Maryland. Smithsonian Archives Center at Southern Avenue was in 1911. American History. Congressdevelopment Avenues, and relocated where a complexsome 3,000 of Jewish bodies cemeter to Rock- iesCreek developed Church following and Graceland the establishment Cemeteries ofin Macpelahthe last quar - Cemeteryter of the 19thfor the century. Adas Israel congregation in 1869. Other congregations and organizations that have added their Another type of public burial ground, once common own burying grounds include Elesavetgrad, Ohev Sholom, in many American cities, was the potter’s field. Generally Washington Hebrew, and Talmud Torah. used in the wake of an epidemic or to bury the poor and indigent,The only these confirmed graveyards Baptist were frequentlycemetery in unplanned Washington and wastemporary associated in nature. with Macedonia The District’s Baptist primary Church, potter’s founded field inwas 1866. located Located at Independence on Sheridan AvenueRoad SE, and it may 19th have Street been SE, themoved Howard here familyfrom the graveyard Shaw area first, in 1846.or it Itmay was be associatedassociated withwith thatthe Washingtonname because Asylum, the first which pastor combined was the theReverend former JamesAlmshouse Howard (or (or Poorhouse), both). Historic the jail, plats a female show oldworkhouse, and new sectionsand a smallpox of graveyard hospital. located As a north complex, of the the church Asylum building. pro- Initially an Anglican (Episcopal) burial ground, Rock Creek Church Burialsvided a tookhome place and, here later, from a final at least resting 1874 place through for “the 1917 poor, Cemetery is now non-denominational and contains a number of The Union Burial Society andinfirm, were diseased,mostly, but vagrant, not exclusively, disorderly African persons, American. prisoners, Eastern Orthodox graves in its northeastern section. of Georgetown served and paupers.” One important early religious graveyard worth noting a sizeable community of newly freed African is theA visitorinactive in Holy 1871 Rood described Cemetery, its doleful which appearance: was established Georgetown was an active port before the District of Americans who had in 1832 just north of Georgetown to provide more space Columbia was created and was home tocongregated several of the around city’s for Catholic“We stood burials. at last Holy amongst Rood isthe one graves of the of few the cemeter Alms- - oldest churchyards, representing each Batteryof the major Kemble Chris seeking- ies housewith recorded dead—those slave whoburials, have offering escaped a therare dissecting glimpse of tian denominations. Georgetown Lutheranprotection was founded during the in theknife. city’s slave-owningScattered about past with by providinglittle stones names, and mounds dates of Civil War. 1766 and burials are believed to have taken place begin- death,here and and ages there, of thoseunder who the occasionalwere considered sullen the green property of ning soon after. Still located at 1556 Wisconsin Avenue of others.cedars, a dead-cart and a spade sticking up as sym- NW, the churchyard contains no grave markers. Congre- bols, and the neglected river, deserted as the Styx, gants of Bridge Street Presbyterian Church were buried Religious[s]plashing interments against the tapered low banks, off by we the felt middlethe sober of the- GOVERNMENTaround their church, located CEMETERIES on the southeast corner of 19thing century melancholy as churchyards of the spot…” began to reach capacity. Most

gomery Street. The west end of the burial ground Eastern and Western Cemeteries were located “at a was subsequently sold to the Female Union Band proper distance from the populous parts of the city to Society for the burial of their free black members. accommodate the inhabitants at either end.” Eastern Located on Mill Road behind the 2600 block was located between 13th, 14th, H, and I Streets NE and of Q Street NW, the cemetery remains in place Western at 19th, 20th, S Street, and Florida Avenue NW. although no burials have occurred since 1950. Although open to all religious denominations, they were raciallyFollowing segregated, religious using tradition, a fence cemeteries to separate for enslaved and freeJewish blacks congregations from whites. were Eastern not located Cemetery adjacent was quickly abandonedto their respective as it was synagogues, found to be but too were marshy situated for burials, andoutside Congressional densely settled Cemetery areas. The took firstits place known for residents ofJewish this portionburial ground of the city.was onWestern 17th Street Cemetery, NW, often called Holmead’snorth of Florida because Avenue it was and established was in use on by land the obtained from1850s. Anthony Interments Holmead, were later remained moved into activeSouth- use through theeast, mid-1800s. near today’s The intersection city then ofsold Alabama the cemetery and land for Congressdevelopment Avenues, and relocated where a complexsome 3,000 of Jewish bodies cemeter to Rock- iesCreek developed Church following and Graceland the establishment Cemeteries ofin Macpelahthe last quar - Cemeteryter of the 19thfor the century. Adas Israel congregation in 1869. Other congregations and organizations that have added their Another type of public burial ground, once common own burying grounds include Elesavetgrad, Ohev Sholom, in many American cities, was the potter’s field. Generally Washington Hebrew, and Talmud Torah. used in the wake of an epidemic or to bury the poor and indigent,The only these confirmed graveyards Baptist were frequentlycemetery in unplanned Washington and wastemporary associated in nature. with Macedonia The District’s Baptist primary Church, potter’s founded field inwas 1866. located Located at Independence on Sheridan AvenueRoad SE, and it may 19th have Street been SE, themoved Howard here familyfrom the graveyard Shaw area first, in 1846.or it Itmay was be associatedassociated withwith thatthe Washingtonname because Asylum, the first which pastor combined was the theReverend former JamesAlmshouse Howard (or (or Poorhouse), both). Historic the jail, plats a female show oldworkhouse, and new sectionsand a smallpox of graveyard hospital. located As a north complex, of the the church Asylum building. pro- Initially an Anglican (Episcopal) burial ground, Rock Creek Church Burialsvided a tookhome place and, here later, from a final at least resting 1874 place through for “the 1917 poor, Cemetery is now non-denominational and contains a number of The Union Burial Society andinfirm, were diseased,mostly, but vagrant, not exclusively, disorderly African persons, American. prisoners, Eastern Orthodox graves in its northeastern section. of Georgetown served and paupers.” One important early religious graveyard worth noting a sizeable community of newly freed African is theA visitorinactive in Holy 1871 Rood described Cemetery, its doleful which appearance: was established Georgetown was an active port before the District of Americans who had in 1832 just north of Georgetown to provide more space Columbia was created and was home tocongregated several of the around city’s for Catholic“We stood burials. at last Holy amongst Rood isthe one graves of the of few the cemeter Alms- - oldest churchyards, representing each Batteryof the major Kemble Chris seeking- ies housewith recorded dead—those slave whoburials, have offering escaped a therare dissecting glimpse of tian denominations. Georgetown Lutheranprotection was founded during the in theknife. city’s slave-owningScattered about past with by providinglittle stones names, and mounds dates of Civil War. 1766 and burials are believed to have taken place begin- death,here and and ages there, of thoseunder who the occasionalwere considered sullen the green property of ning soon after. Still located at 1556 Wisconsin Avenue of others.cedars, a dead-cart and a spade sticking up as sym- NW, the churchyard contains no grave markers. Congre- bols, and the neglected river, deserted as the Styx, gants of Bridge Street Presbyterian Church were buried Religious[s]plashing interments against the tapered low banks, off by we the felt middlethe sober of the- GOVERNMENTaround their church, located CEMETERIES on the southeast corner of 19thing century melancholy as churchyards of the spot…” began to reach capacity. Most

30th and M Street, beginning around 1782, while those burials were subsequently exhumed and removed to newer Despite the abundance of open spaces in Pierre In the early 20th century, those buried at the Asylum of Holy Trinity Catholic Church were being interred by cemeteries to make room for development within the L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for the City of Washington, no ac- were moved to the city’s Home for the Aged and Infirm, 1789 (and possibly as early as 1767) on the south side of O burgeoning city. commodations were made for burial grounds for the city’s later called D.C. Village, in far Southeast Washington. This between 35th and 36th Streets NW. residents. Churches, synagogues, burial societies, and The cemeteryroads at Mount remains, Olivet although are named there after are nothe individualparishes that grave individualBurials beganfamilies at Montgomeryhad already taken Street on Methodist the responsibility Church establishedmarkers the at thecemetery site. – St. Dominic’s, St. Matthew’s, St. Peter’s, ofby providing1808, although resting the places church for was the founded deceased. in But 1772. within The a St. Patrick’s, St. Aloysius, and St. Mary’s. A number of priests and fewcemetery short allowedyears of burialsthe founding of both of black the capital, and white burial members, space nuns from various Catholic orders are buried in dedicated sections. was in such high demand that the government stepped in. but was segregated by race. The grounds were These old stones were relocated to Rock Creek Church Cemetery from Inlater 1798, leased the to Corporation Mount Zion of Methodist Washington Episcopal, created two very Western Cemetery along with their respective interments. earlya black examples congregation of public that cemeteries split off from in America. Mont- gomery Street. The west end of the burial ground Eastern and Western Cemeteries were located “at a was subsequently sold to the Female Union Band proper distance from the populous parts of the city to Society for the burial of their free black members. accommodate the inhabitants at either end.” Eastern Located on Mill Road behind the 2600 block was located between 13th, 14th, H, and I Streets NE and of Q Street NW, the cemetery remains in place Western at 19th, 20th, S Street, and Florida Avenue NW. although no burials have occurred since 1950. Although open to all religious denominations, they were raciallyFollowing segregated, religious using tradition, a fence cemeteries to separate for enslaved and freeJewish blacks congregations from whites. were Eastern not located Cemetery adjacent was quickly abandonedto their respective as it was synagogues, found to be but too were marshy situated for burials, andoutside Congressional densely settled Cemetery areas. The took firstits place known for residents ofJewish this portionburial ground of the city.was onWestern 17th Street Cemetery, NW, often called Holmead’snorth of Florida because Avenue it was and established was in use on by land the obtained from1850s. Anthony Interments Holmead, were later remained moved into activeSouth- use through theeast, mid-1800s. near today’s The intersection city then ofsold Alabama the cemetery and land for Other cemeteries for Washington’s neediest citizens are Bolling Air Force Base once held the highest concen- longWHEN gone. These included DEATHthe Washington City Orphan tration of NativeCITIES American burials yet OF discovered in the Asylum at H Street NW between 9th and 10th, which District. Two ossuaries, where bones were placed after was foundedHAS in 1815 for COMEthe children of deceased War of they were cleaned,THE were discovered DEAD during construction in 1812 soldiers; the Asylum for Aged and Destitute Colored the 1930s. Each ossuary contained the remains of sixty to RefugeesHISTORIC and Colored Orphans, OVERVIEW established during the seventy individuals. These burials may be associated with Civil War at 35th and R Streets NW; the Industrial Home theTHE village of RURALNacotchtank, which CEMETERY was a permanent Native School,OF which WASHINGTON had several addresses over the years and American settlement on the eastern shore of the Anacostia whose burials are unlocated; and the National Training River. MOVEMENT School for CEMETERIESBoys, whose cemetery adjoined the Veitch family’s on South Dakota Avenue near 33rd Street NE. The Rural Cemetery Movement had its origins in Boston,RELIGIOUS where crowded BURIAL inner-city GROUNDSgraveyards were under NATIVEThe notable AMERICAN Government Hospital BURIALS for the Insane, now scrutiny for the same reasons as in other large cities – known as St. Elizabeths, contains two burial grounds, one overcrowding,When early neglect,European fear residents of pestilence, were located and the close incon- Longon the before West GeorgeCampus Washington (1856) and selectedone on the the East area Campus at venienceenough to of churches, having a burialmost burials ground took in the place center in the of achurch bur- - the (c.confluence 1873). The of theother eastern federal and burial western grounds branches that remainof the in geoningyards. The downtown. oldest churches Mount Auburnwere concentrated Cemetery, in designed the port Potomacthe District River ofas Columbiathe site of theare newits two Federal military City, cemeteries, Native intown what of cameGeorgetown to be called or were the builtRural in Cemetery outlying areasaesthetic, as Americansthe Armed had Forces used this Retirement adaptable Home region (1861) as both and a temBattle- - addressed these problems with an entirely new concept of poraryground and Nationalpermanent Cemetery, base for forhunting, the veterans fishing, of andthe Battlehabi- of the burial place. tation.Fort Although Stevens (1864). only a scant number of Native American burialsAlthough have been outside discovered, the District they have of Columbia, begun to helpmention us understandof Arlington the daily National lives, Cemetery religious beliefs,is warranted and customs since this of Washington’svenerable burialearliest ground inhabitants. contains thousands of Civil War Excavationssoldiers who for died the in construction Washington’s of militarythe Whitehurst hospitals and Freewaycamps near as well the asmouth African of Rock American Creek freedpeople revealed a highly who had intactsought burial asylum from thein Washington Middle Woodland during period,the war. dating Because of to aboutthe acute AD need750. The for burial deceased space was – anda female to spite who the was Confed - crematederacy – and the then federal buried government with ceremonial sent the objectsbodies acrosssuch the as anPotomac antler hairpiece, River for intermentstone pendants, on land drilled belonging shark toteeth, Con - decorativefederate disks General and Robertbeads, andE. Lee. well-preserved textiles. The grave goods indicate that she was a woman of high status and suggest belief in an afterlife where her spirit may have need of these items.

“chapels of ease,” small houses of worship established by Foundedcongregants in 1831, who wereMount located Auburn too was far fromlocated the far par out- - sideish church Boston to on attend. a sprawling Early Catholics,70-acre parcel. such Severalas Richard factors setQueen it apart and from James every Barry other sometimes cemetery built to date:chapels it was on theirin- tentionallyown property designed to avoid and the formally persecution laid out; they it had was experi a secular,- profit-drivenenced in England. venture; Rock and Creek it was Church, meant whichto be astarted peaceful as a respitesmall Anglican that would chapel draw of visitors ease and from burial the groundcity in the around days Battleground is one of the smallest National Cemeteries in the before1719, served public theparks few existed. inhabitants Drawing of what on Romantic-erawas then Prince country and is the resting place of the veterans of the Battle of Fort interestGeorge’s in County. nature, Now its hilly open site to featured all religions, a meticulously Rock Creek Stevens, which took place in July 1864. Forty Union soldiers were designedChurch Cemetery, landscape bounded with meandering by North roads Capitol and Street, footpaths, New buried here immediately following the skirmish with one addition- Artifacts recovered from a Native American grave found heavyHampshire plantings, Avenue, elegant and monuments,Rock Creek Churchand thoughtfully Road NW, ar is- alduring veteran excavations interred in for 1936. the Whitehurst Freeway. rangedone of avistas. handful These of colonial features cemeteries were a departure that remain from active the in the United States. 9. JEWISH CONGREGATIONS (beginning 1869) INACTIVEfirst to follow the CEMETERIES tenets of the Rural Cemetery Movement 1380-1400 Alabama Avenue SE in D.C. Oak Hill was “laid out on a most romantic site, Jewish 13.with JESUIT great taste (c. 1808)and judgment” in 1849. It was designed Adjacent cemeteries; some are in use, some are inactive Georgetownby civil engineer University George campus de la Roche with steeply graded Catholicpaths and drives, a fountain, and expansive views over 10. ST. MARY’S (1875) ForRock Georgetown Creek, and University was deemed faculty “worth only visiting” in tourist 2121 Lincoln Road NE literature of the day. Its well-maintained, terraced land- Catholic 14. MT. ZION METHODIST/FEMALE UNION scape and chapel attracted lot purchasers, despite the pres- BAND (c. 1808-1950) 11. FRANCISCAN MONASTERY (1901) Millence Roadof a number NW, east of ofreligious 26th Street cemeteries in the vicinity. 1400 Quincy Street NE MethodistGlenwood and (1854), non-denominational Prospect Hill (1858), and Mount Catholic AdjacentOlivet (1858) cemeteries, followed also soon incorporates after and Montgomery all demonstrate Street ele - For members of the order only mentsMethodist of the ChurchRural Cemetery cemetery Movement. They were cre- 12. NATIONAL CAPITAL HEBREW (1911) 15.ated HOLY well outside ROOD the (1832-1984) city’s developed area, featured bucolic 4708 Fable Street 2128landscaping Wisconsin and Avenuecurving NWroads, and encouraged visits with DesignedCapitol by Heights,George de MD la Roche in 1849, Oak Hill retains much of Catholictheir serene settings and carefully tended grounds. The its historicJewish appearance with steeply graded topography and ornate shore of the Rock Creek Cemetery pond, for instance, was monuments.Straddles the DC- 16.a picturesque TENLEYTOWN spot to purchaseMETHODIST a burial (1847-1989) plot or to spend an Maryland line 4100afternoon block ofpicnicking. Murdock Mill Road NW graveyards of the past, where visitors were lucky to find Non-denominational even a walkway or a single tree among the roughly grid- ded layout of simple headstones. Whereas the old burials 17. COLORED UNION BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION (1870-1889) grounds were places to avoid, Mount Auburn and other Adams Mill Road and Calvert Street NW cemeteries of the Rural Cemetery Movement were park- African American like respites where visiting was encouraged and welcomed. In Walter Peirce Park. Partially moved, no gravemarkers Mortuary symbolism evolved as well, no longer featuring remain hourglasses or other reminders of mortality and impend- ing judgment. Gravestones of the 19th century celebrated 18. ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL (1856-1983) the deceased, who would reap the benefits of a tangible Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE afterlife and forever abide in the memory of the living. Government-owned Two cemeteries, on East and West Campuses Cities rushed to copy the elegance and popularity of Mount Auburn. Georgetown’s Oak Hill Cemetery was the 19. BATTLEGROUND NATIONAL (1864-1936) The lake at Rock Creek Cemetery 6625 circaGeorgia 1912 Avenue and in 2012. NW Top - The Historical Society of Washington, National D.C. Cemetery (Military) For veterans of the Battle of Fort Stevens

Active Cemeteries 20. UNION BURIAL SOCIETY OF Inactive Cemeteries GEORGETOWN (c. 1868) 2616 Chain Bridge Road African American Last burial c. 1966

21. WOODLAWN (1895-1970) 4611 Benning Road SE Non-denominational

Active Cemeteries 20. UNION BURIAL SOCIETY OF Inactive Cemeteries GEORGETOWN (c. 1868) 2616 Chain Bridge Road African American Last burial c. 1966

21. WOODLAWN (1895-1970) 4611 Benning Road SE Non-denominational

22. BLUE PLAINS (1907-1967) D.C. Village Lane SE Includes burials from the Home for the Aged and Infirm, This 1866 sketch of Congressional Cemetery shows the romanticism Almshouse, Asylum, Smallpox Grounds, and various of the Rural Cemetery Movement and its appeal to the visiting potters’ fields public. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. No gravemarkers present Romanesque style, while James Renwick’s Gothic Revival NO REST FOR chapel decorates the Oak Hill Cemetery grounds. The Van Ness mausoleum in Oak Hill was designed by George THE WEARY Hadfield after the Temple of Vesta in Rome and is also a designated landmark. MOVING BURIALS Another impor- The new Rural cemeteries in Washington – Oak Hill tant cemetery piece is (1849), Glenwood (1854), Prospect Hill (1858), and Mount also one of the most Olivet (1858), followed by Graceland (1872) and Wood- notable sculptural lawn (1895) – served not only the recently deceased, but works in the WASHINGTON’SDistrict also became home to the thousands of re-interments from of Columbia. Residing the city center. Throughout the second half of the 19th REMAININGin Rock Creek Church CEMETERIES and into the 20th century, bodies from virtually all of the Cemetery is Augustus District’s family burial grounds and dozens of the city’s Saint-Gaudens’ bronze Graniteearly mausoleums churchyards at were St. Mary’s relocated Cemetery. to the new cemeteries. sculpture The Mystery TheCritic-Record reported in 1884 that “popular inter- ofACTIVE the Hereafter CEMETERIES and est in the excavation of Holmead [Western] Cemetery is The Peace of God that 1. ROCK CREEK CHURCH (1719) To complement the elaborateness of rural cemeteries, Passeth Understand- on the increase if the crowds that assemble on the scene Rock Creek Church Road and Webster Street NW gravestones became more ornate as well, a tribute to 19th ing, more com- can be taken as an indication. Yesterday’s operations were Episcopal originally, now non-denominational century Victorian excess. Simple head- and footstones of unusual interest. Fifty men were at work and ten bod- monlyOldest calledoperating “Grief,” cemetery in Washington ieswere were supplanted exhumed.” by Overgrand 3,000 memorials bodies in were the ultimatelyform of obe - a memorial to Marian exhumedlisks, columns, from angels,Western and and other sent sculpturalto Graceland works. and ElegantRock “Clover”2. CONGRESSIONAL Adams, wife (1807) Creekstone mausoleumsCemeteries to – makewhich room house for above-ground residential develop burials- of1801 Henry E Street Adams. SE This The Adams Memorial was designed ment,– became taking fashionable the work andcrew reflected months tothe complete. popularity Other of the much-photographedNon-denominational by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens large-scaleGothic Revival, moves Egyptian include Revival,more than and 1,800 Neoclassical bodies from styles. allegoricalFounded under figure the is auspicesand of thearchitect Episcopal Stanford Church, White but for Foundry Methodist to Glenwood Cemetery in 1867, more onenon-denominational of Saint-Gaudens’ Marian “Clover” Adams, wife of Henry than 6,800 bodies from Graceland to Woodlawn Cemetery most significant Adams. 3. GEORGETOWN VISITATION CONVENT (1815) in 1895-1898, and 39,000 bodies from Payne’s Cemetery achievements. 1524 35th Street NW to National Harmony Memorial Park in Maryland in REST IN PEACE Catholic 1969. Such moves typically left some remains behind, as Unfortunately, some of the District’s cemeteries are notGraveyard in reputable is full condition, but crypt burialsparticularly available those for that members are no did some other, smaller burying grounds that were simply of the order only forgotten and built upon. longer in use. Neglect and vandalism have taken their toll WASHINGTON’S on the Mount Zion/Female Union Band and Holy Rood 4. OAK HILL (1849) cemeteries despite sporadic efforts to clean up. Commu- CEMETERIES TODAY 3001 R Street NW Non-denominational For the most part, the District’s remaining cemeteries First Rural Cemetery design in Washington are beautiful, restful open spaces featuring a number of prominent burials, significant artistic works, and architec- 5. ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME (1851) tural gems. Sophisticated carved headstones and architect- 21 Harewood Road NW designed chapels, receiving vaults, and gatehouses offer National Cemetery (Military) an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of funerary For veterans only, managed by the Army design. Mausoleums mimicking Greek temples and Gothic 6. GLENWOOD (1854) churches offer a roll-call of the city’s most prominent 2219 Lincoln Road NE families. Non-denominational

Congressional, Glenwood, Oak Hill, and Mount Olivet 7. PROSPECT HILL (1858) Cemetries all feature picturesque chapels nestled among 2201 North Capitol Street NE the gravestones. Two of these are so architecturally im- Lutheran originally, now non-denominational portant, that they have been individually listed in the DC The InventoryPresbyterian of HistoricCemetery Sites. in Georgetown Glenn Brown’s was closed chapel in at 1887 Glen and- 8. MOUNT OLIVET (1858) the bodies were subsequently moved to Rock Creek Cemetery and Over the years, vandalism has taken its toll on the gravestones wood is an excellent example of the Richardsonian 1300 Bladensburg Road NE other burial grounds, as shown in this 1893 photo. The site is now at the Mount Zion/Female Union Band Cemetery. Catholic the Georgetown Playground. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. nity interest may yet find a champion for the restoration of these grounds.A PLACE TO Of Washington’s remaining cemeteries, Prospect Hill, Oak Hill, Woodlawn,SLEEP Rock Creek, and Battleground National Cemeteries are designated historic sites. In addition, GeorgetownTHE SELECTION Visitation, St. Elizabeths, theOF Jesuit, A and Mount Zion/Female Union Band Cemeteries fall within the boundariesBURIAL of designated LOCATION historic districts. Congres- sional Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark, reach- ingWhen the highest colonists level arrived of historic in the recognition New World, because they brought of its withnational them importance. the centuries-old European custom of burial in and around a church. But for inhabitants of the sparsely settled The cenotaphs at Congressional Cemetery, honoring early members of Mid-Atlantic region, churches were often too distant to attend CongressGlenwood who Cemetery died in office,was established have recently in 1854 been well cleaned outside and the restored. city in Washington County. Burials from Trinity Episcopal, Foundry Methodist, or to use for funerals and burials. Early residents resorted to and St. John’s Episcopal churchyards were moved here soon after. burying family members on their own property or, when pos- sible, at non-denominational community cemeteries. Within the area that became the District of Columbia, we find both Commonarranged symbols in chronological denote farewell order, (shaking rather hands), than ina belief family in plots,the familyGRAVESTONE graveyards and community SYMBOLISM cemeteries at crossroads afterlifeseparating (butterfly deceased emerged parents from chrysalis from children and finger and spousespointing fromto villages such as Tenleytown, Brightwood, Hillsdale, and Ben- Heaven),one sorrowanother. at a life cut short nings.A walk through any of the city’s cemeteries presents (broken chain and flower stem), and visitors with a plethora of imagery and symbolism specific blessingMaintenance (Cohanim hands). was irregular as most early graveyards had These choices – the churchyard (for congregants), the no caretaker, but only someone who was paid to bury the to various cultural, religious, and social groups, as well as Emblems are also frequently used to familyiconography cemetery that (primarily has become for largecommon landholders), among all and classes, the denotedead. membership Without inmuch organizations oversight, cemeteries became eyesores communityraces, and religions. cemetery From (at small the villages),images carved along onwith grave munici- - such andas the were Masons, crowded Elks, to Odd the point where stacking bodies in the palstones, burial we grounds can begin (for to the understand destitute) –not were only the the only beliefs burial Fellows,same and grave Woodmen shaft ofbecame the World. commonplace. Increasing popula- optionsof individuals, available but to howresidents those of beliefs the District have gained of Columbia or lost well tion density and concerns about contagion further brought intoimportance the 19th overcentury. the yearsVirtually and all how cemeteries perceptions at this of deathtime were into question the appropriateness of having cemeteries in informallyhave changed. laid out and operated. Burials were typically the center of town. The ultimate demise of urban burial grounds in the District commenced with legislation in 1852 A few examples include lambs, which were used on which forbade new burial grounds within the boundaries The public vault at Congressional Cemetery was built in 1835 children’s graves to symbolize innocence; a hand pointing of the Federal City – between the Anacostia and Potomac to holdupward the deceased showing temporarily that the soul while of the funeral departed arrangements has gone to were made. Three Presidents and two First Ladies were kept here, Rivers, Rock Creek and Florida Avenue. From that date, all includingHeaven; Dolley a broken Madison, column who remained or a flower for overwith twoa broken years stemwhile new cemeteries were located in the outlying Washington fundsindicating were raised a lifeto bury cut short;her at andMontpelier. ivy, symbolic of undying af- County and before long, burials were being exhumed and fection or everlasting life. Fraternal emblems are common moved into the new grounds. In fact, several cemeteries were on gravestones and include the compass and square of relocated to the suburbs in their entirety. the Masons, the linked chain of the Odd Fellows, and tree stump markers for Woodmen of the World. At the same time, the Rural Cemetery Movement was gaining popularity throughout the nation. Corresponding with the sentimentality of the Victorian era, this entirely new approach to cemetery planning advocated burial grounds as places of beauty and tranquility, envisioning death as a sort of peaceful slumber rather than a pitiless finality. The sub- urban locations and meticulously planned designs of Rural cemeteries – with winding carriage paths, varied topography, and beautiful vistas – were a far cry from crowded, unkempt inner-city burial grounds. For the first time, people could purchase plots in advance, selecting their preferred location and providing enough space for family members to be buried together. Rural cemeteries introduced regular maintenance, sanitary measures, and security, and created a for-profit, landscape-focused business model. nity interest may yet find a champion for the restoration of these grounds.A PLACE TO Of Washington’s remaining cemeteries, Prospect Hill, Oak Hill, Woodlawn,SLEEP Rock Creek, and Battleground National Cemeteries are designated historic sites. In addition, GeorgetownTHE SELECTION Visitation, St. Elizabeths, theOF Jesuit, A and Mount Zion/Female Union Band Cemeteries fall within the boundariesBURIAL of designated LOCATION historic districts. Congres- sional Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark, reach- ingWhen the highest colonists level arrived of historic in the recognition New World, because they brought of its withnational them importance. the centuries-old European custom of burial in and around a church. But for inhabitants of the sparsely settled The cenotaphs at Congressional Cemetery, honoring early members of Mid-Atlantic region, churches were often too distant to attend CongressGlenwood who Cemetery died in office,was established have recently in 1854 been well cleaned outside and the restored. city in Washington County. Burials from Trinity Episcopal, Foundry Methodist, or to use for funerals and burials. Early residents resorted to and St. John’s Episcopal churchyards were moved here soon after. burying family members on their own property or, when pos- sible, at non-denominational community cemeteries. Within the area that became the District of Columbia, we find both Commonarranged symbols in chronological denote farewell order, (shaking rather hands), than ina belief family in plots,the familyGRAVESTONE graveyards and community SYMBOLISM cemeteries at crossroads afterlifeseparating (butterfly deceased emerged parents from chrysalis from children and finger and spousespointing fromto villages such as Tenleytown, Brightwood, Hillsdale, and Ben- Heaven),one sorrowanother. at a life cut short nings.A walk through any of the city’s cemeteries presents (broken chain and flower stem), and visitors with a plethora of imagery and symbolism specific blessingMaintenance (Cohanim hands). was irregular as most early graveyards had These choices – the churchyard (for congregants), the no caretaker, but only someone who was paid to bury the to various cultural, religious, and social groups, as well as Emblems are also frequently used to familyiconography cemetery that (primarily has become for largecommon landholders), among all and classes, the denotedead. membership Without inmuch organizations oversight, cemeteries became eyesores communityraces, and religions. cemetery From (at small the villages),images carved along onwith grave munici- - such andas the were Masons, crowded Elks, to Odd the point where stacking bodies in the palstones, burial we grounds can begin (for to the understand destitute) –not were only the the only beliefs burial Fellows,same and grave Woodmen shaft ofbecame the World. commonplace. Increasing popula- optionsof individuals, available but to howresidents those of beliefs the District have gained of Columbia or lost well tion density and concerns about contagion further brought intoimportance the 19th overcentury. the yearsVirtually and all how cemeteries perceptions at this of deathtime were into question the appropriateness of having cemeteries in informallyhave changed. laid out and operated. Burials were typically the center of town. The ultimate demise of urban burial grounds in the District commenced with legislation in 1852 A few examples include lambs, which were used on which forbade new burial grounds within the boundaries The public vault at Congressional Cemetery was built in 1835 children’s graves to symbolize innocence; a hand pointing of the Federal City – between the Anacostia and Potomac to holdupward the deceased showing temporarily that the soul while of the funeral departed arrangements has gone to were made. Three Presidents and two First Ladies were kept here, Rivers, Rock Creek and Florida Avenue. From that date, all includingHeaven; Dolley a broken Madison, column who remained or a flower for overwith twoa broken years stemwhile new cemeteries were located in the outlying Washington fundsindicating were raised a lifeto bury cut short;her at andMontpelier. ivy, symbolic of undying af- County and before long, burials were being exhumed and fection or everlasting life. Fraternal emblems are common moved into the new grounds. In fact, several cemeteries were on gravestones and include the compass and square of relocated to the suburbs in their entirety. the Masons, the linked chain of the Odd Fellows, and tree stump markers for Woodmen of the World. At the same time, the Rural Cemetery Movement was gaining popularity throughout the nation. Corresponding with the sentimentality of the Victorian era, this entirely new approach to cemetery planning advocated burial grounds as places of beauty and tranquility, envisioning death as a sort of peaceful slumber rather than a pitiless finality. The sub- urban locations and meticulously planned designs of Rural cemeteries – with winding carriage paths, varied topography, and beautiful vistas – were a far cry from crowded, unkempt inner-city burial grounds. For the first time, people could purchase plots in advance, selecting their preferred location and providing enough space for family members to be buried together. Rural cemeteries introduced regular maintenance, sanitary measures, and security, and created a for-profit, landscape-focused business model. SOME NOTABLE BURIALS CEMETERY TIMELINE

Many notable individuals, both the illustrious and the in- 10,500 BCE - c. 1700 Native American occupation of the famous, have been laid to rest in the District of Columbia. region Some of the more colorful politicians, artists, scientists, 1608GONE – Captain John Smith BUT is the first EnglishmanNOT to musicians, socialites, and criminals include: navigate the Potomac River 1719 – RockFORGOTTEN Creek Church Cemetery was founded Congressional – Photographer Mathew Brady, Mary Ann 1720s-1850s – Church burials were the most common Hall (the “Madam on the Mall”), J. Edgar Hoover, Belva type of burialCEMETERIES IN Lockwood (lawyer, suffragette, and 1884 Presidential can- 1720s-1880s – Family cemeteries were used didate), Choctaw Chief Pushmataha, and composer John 1791THE – L’Enfant NATION’S Plan for Washington CAPITAL included no burial Philip Sousa grounds Glenwood – Constantino Brumidi (painter of the Capitol 1798 – Eastern and Western Cemeteries created by the dome), Amos Kendall (founder of Gallaudet University), Washington,District government D.C. is home to some of the grandest and Emmanuel Leutze (painter of Washington Crossing monuments1807 – Congressional and most recognizedCemetery created edifices in the world. the Delaware) Beyond1825 – Firstits celebrated African American historic sites, burial venerable society formedmuseums, in andWashington distinctive rowhouse neighborhoods, however, is an Mount Olivet – James Hoban (architect of the White often1831 –overlooked Mount Auburn facet Cemeteryof the city’s created, history beginning– its cemeteries. the House) and Mary Surratt (conspirator in Lincoln’s assas- TheseRural beautiful, Cemetery although Movement sometimes neglected, land- sination) scapes1849 – provide Oak Hill the Cemetery final resting designed place as for Washington’s the people firstwho Rock Creek –Julius Garfinckel (founder of Garfinckel’s haveRural shaped cemetery the Nation’s Capital in both remarkable and Department Store), Gilbert H. Grosvenor (President of in1852 ordinary – The ways. government bans burials within the original city boundaries National Geographic Society and the “father of photojour- Just over twenty active and inactive cemeteries are cur- 1850s – Glenwood (1854), Prospect Hill (1858), Mount nalism”), and author Upton Sinclair rently located in the District of Columbia, although many Olivet (1858), and Payne’s dozens more have been lost to time or moved to make Woodlawn – Blanche Bruce (first former slave to serve as (1851) created in response to ban on burials and to the way for other land uses. Studying their location, design, U.S. Senator) and John Mercer Langston (early African Rural Cemetery Movement and grave markers provides insight into the social his- American U.S. Congressman) 1870-1900s – Extensive removals of bodies from the city tory, settlement patterns, and religious beliefs of the city’s center to new Rural cemeteries founders and residents. This brochure recounts the burial 1964 – The District recognizes the significant historical practices of Washington’s earliest inhabitants through the and architectural features of cemeteries by designating present,Oak Hillfocusing and Congressional on Native American as historic burials, sites. church and family graveyards, and the rise of commercial cemeteries 1977 – Rock Creek Church Cemetery designated as acrosshistoric the four site quadrants of the city. 1991 – Woodlawn Cemetery designated as historic site 2005 – Prospect Hill Cemetery designated as historic site

Woodlawn Cemetery was created when nearby Graceland was condemned by the city in 1894 for a road extension project. SOME NOTABLE BURIALS CEMETERY TIMELINE

Woodlawn Cemetery was created when nearby Graceland was condemned by the city in 1894 for a road extension project. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN CEMETERIES IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Historic Preservation Office 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E650 Washington, D.C. 20024 District of Columbia Office of Planning 202.442.7600 www.planning.dc.gov/hpo