There’s A Forgotten Cemetery Hiding In DC And It’s Truly Creepy
Mount Zion Cemetery in Georgetown, DC, holds significant historical and cultural value, particularly related to African American history, and efforts are underway to restore it.
DC is known for respecting our past and honoring the history of the city. While we work hard to honor our buildings and monuments, there is one place in DC that has actually been forgotten. Mount Zion Cemetery is a forgotten cemetery that holds stories of the district’s past.
Mount Zion is located in DC at 27th and Q Street in Georgetown. It was founded in 1808 as The Methodist Cemetery. The cemetery was originally created to be a place to put to rest its congregants and their enslaved workers.
It was leased and sold to to Mount Zion United Methodist Church, which is the oldest black congregation in DC and is a few blocks away.
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In the 1842, the Female Union Band Society, purchased the west side of the cemetery. The society was a benevolent society of free black women who pledged to assist one another in sickness and in death. Both cemeteries were abandoned in 1950 and today there is no dividing line between the two.
The cemetery has fallen in to disrepair but there have been efforts to restore the cemetery. The cemetery holds great cultural and historical significance.
The cemetery is a reminder of the contribution of African Americans to the development of Georgetown and the history of African American life in DC.
It is believed that the cemetery was part of the Underground Railroad. There is a small structure where it is assumed that fleeing slaves hid before heading to Rock Creek and following the creek to the Potomac and eventually, Pennsylvania.
It’s estimated that there are 500 to 1,500 people buried in the cemetery but the real numbers will remain a mystery since it’s suspected that many escaped slaves were buried there quickly and in the middle of the night.
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Today, if you visit the cemetery, you will find many toppled over headstones and overgrown weeds and brush. However, there is hope for the cemetery.
There are plans to restore and preserve the cemetery. A new life for Mount Zion will tell an important part of DC’s history and commemorate some of our earliest residents.
When people ask of things to do in Washington, D.C., you’ll hear all the same suggestions. It’s easy to forget how much Washington, D.C., actually offers! In a city chock full of attractions, restaurants, and experiences, many amazing sights fly under the radar, even to locals. If you’re looking for something different to do, check out these hidden gems in Washington, D.C.
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1. Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf
The Southwest Waterfront is home to the Wharf and one of the oldest operating open-air fish markets. Visitors can enjoy the freshest seafood from the Municipal Fish Market (also known as Maine Avenue Fish Market) before relaxing on the scenic waterfront.
2. Rock Creek Park Horse Center
Most people know about Rock Creek Park, but what they don’t know about the park is that there are stables deep in the woods where you can take riding lessons, trail rides, or pony rides.
3. Spanish Steps
This peaceful urban oasis is so under the radar that many locals admit to never knowing about it! Built in the early 20th century, the Spanish Steps, nearby fountain, and surrounding area are perfect for a romantic stroll or quiet afternoon.
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4. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
D.C. has a taste of Hollywood in this beautiful museum and garden. The former home of socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood offers a gorgeous garden and an art collection and is an excellent break from the crowds at the more traditional museums.
Check out this awesome video from @travelingtipps and get a sneak peek at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens:
5. Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
As museums go, the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum is not on the top list for people in D.C., but it should be. Mailboxes, advertisements, airmail, and a rich history of communication lies inside.
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6. Summerhouse
The Summerhouse is a small hexagon-shaped brick structure on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted to provide a resting place and water for visitors. There is a central fountain that provides a calming atmosphere and beautiful views.
7. Albert Einstein Memorial
Hidden near the National Academy of Sciences, this unassuming bronze memorial is often forgotten among the larger memorials around it but no less fun to visit, especially for science lovers.
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8. President Lincoln's Cottage
There’s lots of focus on Ford’s Theater and The White House, but in D.C. is President Lincoln’s Cottage, where he lived and developed the Emancipation Proclamation.
This destination is truly one of the best D.C. hidden gems. I love this video from @LincolnsCottage:
9. United States Naval Observatory
The United States Naval Observatory is home to the Master Clock, the official time of the Department of Defense, and is in charge of recording measurements for Earth’s orientation for the almanac and GPS satellites. The Vice President also lives on the grounds. Tours are hard to obtain, but when you get one, check out the spectacular view of the stars through their telescope.
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10. The Spirit of Justice Park
Spirit of Justice Park is a hidden, child and dog-friendly gem atop a semi-underground parking garage. It's not listed on the Architect of the Capitol's website, spans two blocks, and has four entrances, but only one is marked. The park offers peace, quiet, and beautiful flowers.
11. Mansion on O Street
An eccentric old Victorian mansion now transformed into a luxury hotel, private club, and museum. The funky decor, hidden doors, and secret passages make this hidden gem a favorite of D.C. locals.
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12. Dumbarton Oaks
Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in Georgetown that features beautiful gardens and serves as a research library and museum. It’s a fantastic place to stroll in springtime when flowers are blooming.
This video from @kuroshiocurrent really showcases Dumbarton Oaks' beauty.
13. The Exorcist Steps
Delightfully creepy, the infamous steps from the movie "The Exorcist" exist in Georgetown. Run up and down them a few times, and they’ll wear you out. But avoid them on Halloween.
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14. The Technicolor Church
An old, abandoned church in Southwest D.C. had a technicolor makeover as part of an arts revitalization. Not many people stumble over it, but those who do never forget it.
15. Gravelly Point Park
Just outside of D.C., Gravelly Point Park is perfect for bikers, runners, and picnickers. If you time your visit right, you can watch the planes buzzing by as they land at nearby Ronald Reagan Airport.
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Do you think these are the best hidden gems in Washington, D.C.? I love the vibe of The Technicolor Church - how about you? Let me know!
DC has plenty of historical attractions that you can experience. In fact, one could argue that the whole city is a historical attraction. But there are some historic sites that are better known than others. But we're here to argue for those lesser known sites. Just because they are not in in every guidebook, doesn't mean they are not worth seeing. One of the most interesting historic sites in DC is one of the most lesser known places in DC. President Lincoln's Cottage might be one of DC's best attractions.
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President Lincoln is one of the most fascinating and important presidents in this country's history. While you can learn about him at The White House and at Ford's Theatre, Lincoln's Cottages gives visitors a unique look into his life.
Lincoln's Cottage was not actually owned by President Lincoln, but he spent much of his time here during his presidency.
He would often ride the 30 minute, 3.5-mile ride to the White House every day and then come back to the cottage in the evening. In fact, Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation at his summer home.
Today, the Gothic revival home sits on the grounds of an armed forces retirement home.
It has been renovated and preserves much of the past. It is an incredible look at what life was like during the Civil War and how it impacted the president.
Visitors can take guided tours of the home. The tour guides are gifted storytellers and historians who are able to transport you back to the Civil War.
The house gives the most intimate look at President Lincoln's personal and public life.
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Because the house is located in Petworth, far from the normal tourist attractions, it's relatively unknown and often uncrowded place. In addition to tours, they occasionally hold private events and special programs at the home.
If you live in DC, you should definitely take a trip to Lincoln's Cottage to learn more about this impactful president. The Cottage is located at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC 20011. It is open daily and admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12.
Have you visited President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington DC before? It really does belong on your DC bucket list! Visit the official website for President Lincoln's Cottage to learn more and plan your excursion.