Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel

Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel is a Gothic Revival structure built with blue gneiss walls and red sandstone trim on the historic cemetery grounds in Georgetown. The building occupies the highest ridge of the property and features a west-facing entrance accessed through a wrought iron gate.

The structure was commissioned in 1850 by collector and philanthropist William Wilson Corcoran and designed by architect James Renwick Jr. in the Gothic Revival style. This chapel marked an important moment in Georgetown's religious and civic development during the mid-19th century.

The chapel serves as a gathering point and visual landmark within the cemetery's landscaped grounds. Its distinctive form immediately stands out to visitors walking through the grounds and has become the focal point for many family gatherings and memorial services.

The chapel is located on the highest point of the cemetery grounds and is accessed from the west through a wrought iron gate. Visitors should note that the elevated position offers clear sightlines across the property for orientation.

A padlock dating to 1895 remains attached to the structure, donated by James L. Norris to the cemetery company as a gift. This small artifact tells of the ongoing stewardship and care the property has received through the decades.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1850

Architects: James Renwick Jr.

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Floors above the ground: 1

Made from material: red sandstone, gneiss, sandstone

Part of: Oak Hill Cemetery

Address: 3001 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007

GPS coordinates: 38.91278,-77.05889

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:03