Rock Creek Cemetery, Rural cemetery in Petworth, Washington D.C.
Rock Creek Cemetery is a rural resting place in Petworth in northwest Washington that spreads across gentle hills and connects wooded sections with open areas. Mature trees line the winding paths, while gravestones and monuments stand between shaded foliage and sunny clearings.
The burial ground began in the early 18th century as a churchyard for an Anglican parish, when the area still belonged to the Maryland colony. In the 19th century, the site transformed from church property into a public cemetery open to people of all denominations.
The name comes from the nearby stream that flows through the area and has shaped the landscape for centuries. Visitors notice a mix of liturgical traditions across the grounds, as several Orthodox and Anglican congregations lay their departed to rest here.
Visitors can enter the grounds daily between morning and early evening and explore the paths on foot. The administrative office answers questions on weekdays about graves, burial options, and navigating the sprawling site.
The Adams Memorial sculpture shows a seated figure in a bronze cloak that visitors often find mysterious and contemplative. This work by Augustus Saint-Gaudens carries no official title and has been interpreted by some as a symbol of grief, by others as a portrayal of eternal rest.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
