The estate and gardens of Dumbarton Oaks is a must see for a trip to Washington D.C. The 53 acre estate is located on the highest point in Georgetown. The original structure, which was a Federal style home, was purchased by Robert Woods Bliss, and his wife, in 1920. The couple added a music room on to the home in 1929. Many years later, the couple built a wing on the home to house their famous Byzantine art collection. A beautiful English garden was built around the whole property.

In 1940 as well, the entire property was given to the Trustees of Harvard University, who still maintains the estate. Another wing was added to hold Mr. Bliss’s collection of Pre-Columbian art. There was also a garden library added around the same time.

The art has been on long term loan to the National Gallery of Art. The Garden library, however, still houses Mrs. Bliss’s collection of rare books on the history of gardens.

The Dumbarton Oaks estate is located at 1703 32nd NW; in Washington D.C. the facility is open, most of the year, from 2pm until 6pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The park closes one hour earlier during the winter.

Established by an Act of Congress in 1848, Oak Hill Cemetery is a 22 acre historic cemetery, botanical garden, and Mausoleum. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also home to the famous Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel. The cemetery has been in use since 1849.
The cemetery was founded by W.W. Corcoran. He was a banker, philanthroper, and businessman. Corcoran founded the Riggs National Bank, and was an instrumental part in keeping the U.S. financially solvent during the Mexican War.
Mr. Corcoran purchased the property for the cemetery from George Corbin Washington and Lewis W. Washington (both related to the first President.) Over the years, the beautiful architecture of the buildings and grounds were put into place from the likes of George F. de la Roche and James Renwick Jr (of Smithsonian fame).
The architecture of the cemetery represents some of the best of English gardens, Gothic chapels, and 19th Century Romantic Art. But perhaps the biggest draw of the cemetery is the Civil War burial sites located within. It is one of the best you will find in Washington D.C. The maps of the plots located there will help you be able to appreciate the history of the mostly 19th Century cemetery.

Tudor Place is a mansion in Washington, D.C. that was originally the home of Thomas Peter and his wife, Martha Parke Custis Peter, the step-granddaughter of George Washington, who left her the $8,000 in his will that was used to purchase the property in 1805. The property, comprising one city block on the crest of Georgetown Heights, had an excellent view of the Potomac River. The gardens and the historic house museum's collections are as rich and interesting as the home itself. A focal point is the collection of over 100 objects that belonged to George and Martha Washington. Over the years, both the home and gardens have been enriched by 180 years of Peter family ownership. Tudor Place gives a rare glimpse into American cultural and social history. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Tudor Place is located at 1644 31st Street, N.W. and is open to the public.

The Georgetown Lutheran Church is one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in the United States, and is the oldest Lutheran Church in Washington D.C. You would have to travel to a place like the Holy Trinity Church in Delaware to find much more history for the followers of Martin Luther.
The church was built in 1769.

The original German immigrants that founded the church came to the Potomac Valley to become farmers, and were enticed to settle here by offers of inexpensive land (made possible by Lord Baltimore).

The congregation itself was served for many years by itinerate preachers of the German Lutheran Church. The group officially formed into a church in 1766. Colonel Charles Beatty donated the land for the first building. The church was erected at the corner of Fourth and High Street. The cornerstone was laid in 1769.

The church has gone through four revisions through the years, but still has a piece of very old history well worth seeing. The old bell from the church sits in the front yard, after being salvaged from a junk yard in 1937. It had been given away in the 1870’s.

The Georgetown Presbyterian Church got its start with a small group of worshippers, who gathered together in 1760 for the very first time. Twenty years later, the band of Christians organized the group into a formal Church. The official start date of January 1 was picked. In the same year, the first pastor of the congregation was chosen: the Reverend Stephen Bloomer Balch.

Balch was a revolutionary at heart, and served in the army. He was mentored by John Witherspoon, who was a clergyman also, and President of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). Witherspoon also signed the Declaration of Independence. Rev. Balch carried on well from his teacher, and would go on to serve this local congregation for over 50 years.

The church has had two different locations over the years: Bridge Street (which is now called M Street) and West Street (which is currently called P Street). In 1821 President Monroe laid the cornerstone for the new construction that was added to the church. In similar fashion, President Grant placed a cornerstone for the church, when it was moved to the P Street location.

This congregation has continued to serve the Washington D.C. community since its founding. It is now the oldest local church in continuous service, and one of the older churches to be found anywhere in the area.

3051 M Street NW is to take a trip back in time, to the day when the United States did not yet exist, and the Revolutionary War was not yet fought. In fact, the building is the oldest surviving example of Pre-Revolutionary Colonial architecture that still stands on its original foundation.

Part of the fun of visiting this fine old homestead is to allow yourself to become wrapped up in the local folklore. It is almost an urban legend. For many years, it has been contended that the domain was the Engineering Headquarters for General George Washington. Another piece of folklore has claimed that the famous Suters Tavern was located here. Sadly, neither piece of historic folklore has ever been substantiated.

In 1953, the land and home was purchased by the United States Government. The Old Stone House is now cared for by the National Park Service, which has also made a museum there. You may visit the site from Noon until 5:00p.m., every Wednesday through Sunday. The house is always closed on Monday and Tuesday, as well as major holidays, such as New Years Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. So, you will need to plan accordingly.

Nested along the banks of the Potomac River is the Washington Harbor. Some of the best views of the river can be found here. The views to the Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Key Bridge and Roosevelt Island are also very good, and will present an avid photographer with some nice photo opportunities.

The Harbour is part of historic Georgetown. The shops, condominiums, and restaurants are the brain child of Arthur Cotton Moore. This famous Princeton graduate was honored in 1977 by the American Institute of Architectures for the development of an architectural style of his own, called “industrial baroque.” The Georgetown development is among his most famous examples of this style.

Upon visiting the site, one is quickly struck by the low level construction. Just take a look at the harbor in relation to the water level of the Potomac. You may also want to check out the flood gate system that helps to protect the area.

While you are marveling at the unique architecture, you may also want to partake of some of the good food that comes from one of the four main restaurants in the complex: The Sequoia, Tony & Joe’s, Nick’s Riverside Grill, and Cabanas. After a great meal, try taking a river cruise aboard one of the small river boats that depart from here each day.

Washington Harbour is located on K Street NW, from 30th to 31st Street in Georgetown. It is next door to the House of Sweden, which houses the embassies of several foreign countries.