Van Ness Mausoleum

The Van Ness Mausoleum is a circular stone temple with Greek Revival style and Doric columns arranged around a central chamber. A domed stone roof sits atop the structure, which was designed to hold multiple family burials within its interior.

Architect George Hadfield designed the mausoleum in 1833 as a burial monument for the Van Ness family. The structure originally stood elsewhere in Washington before being relocated to Oak Hill Cemetery in 1872.

The mausoleum demonstrates how prominent families in the 1800s honored their dead in personal monuments that displayed their status. Its classical design with surrounding columns conveyed power and importance within Washington's society.

The mausoleum sits on a raised hilltop within Oak Hill Cemetery near R Street in Georgetown. The cemetery grounds are easy to walk through and offer open space to view the structure from different angles.

The mausoleum was built with space for 18 burials, yet only 7 family members were ultimately laid to rest inside. Those empty chambers stand as a quiet reminder of what the family once intended.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1833

Architects: George Hadfield

Creator: George Hadfield

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, Greek Revival architecture

Part of: Oak Hill Cemetery

GPS coordinates: 38.91167,-77.05444

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:40