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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Mount Zion / Female Union Band Society Cemeteries

A profound historic memorial park containing two of the oldest African American cemeteries in Washington, D.C., including a site founded by free Black women in 1842.

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Mount Zion / Female Union Band Society Cemeteries
www.mountzioncemetery.org, og_image_www.mountzioncemetery.org

What is the Mount Zion / Female Union Band Society Cemeteries site known for?

This site consists of two adjoining cemeteries: Mount Zion, which dates back to 1808 as the Old Methodist Episcopal burying ground, and the Female Union Band Society Cemetery, founded in 1842 by free African American women. It is recognized as a UNESCO Slave Route Project Site of Memory and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Is the site associated with the Underground Railroad?

Yes, the site's brick pre-burial vault was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad to shelter enslaved individuals fleeing slavery.

Who is buried at Mount Zion / Female Union Band Society Cemeteries?

The cemetery contains thousands of burials, including Clement Morgan, the first African American graduate of Harvard Law School.

Where is it located?

The cemeteries are located at 27th Street and Mill Road NW, bordering Rock Creek Park.

When was the last burial at the cemetery?

The last burial took place in 1950.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries form a sacred space of remembrance located at 27th Street and Mill Road NW, bordering Rock Creek Park. This complex includes two distinct burial grounds: Mount Zion, which dates back to 1808 as the Old Methodist Episcopal burying ground purchased by the Dumbarton Street M.E. Church, and the Female Union Band Cemetery, founded in 1842 by free African American women. Together, they serve as an enduring testament to the resilience and community organization of Black residents in antebellum Washington, D.C. The site is of immense historical significance, having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated as a UNESCO Slave Route Project Site of Memory in 2018. It is estimated that at least 8,000 people are buried here, with the last burial taking place in 1950. The grounds contain thousands of burials, including that of Clement Morgan, the first African American graduate of Harvard Law School. Beyond the burials, the site features a brick pre-burial vault that historians identify as a key point on the Underground Railroad. This vault was used to shelter enslaved individuals fleeing slavery when the ground was unsuitable for burial, providing a temporary refuge for those seeking freedom. The cemeteries have been restored as a proper memorial by the Black Georgetown Foundation to ensure the preservation of this critical piece of African American history.

Visitor tips

  • Allow time to reflect on the significance of the Female Union Band Society Cemetery's founding by free Black women.
  • Look for the brick pre-burial vault, which is a tangible link to the Underground Railroad.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site borders Rock Creek Park.

Nearby context

Located at the intersection of 27th Street and Mill Road NW, the cemeteries border Rock Creek Park and are situated near Oak Hill Cemetery and Dumbarton House, placing them in a quiet, residential area of Georgetown.

Sources

Evidence and links