Skip to Main Content

Famous Shrouded Grave Statue.

Famous Shrouded Grave Statue

Field review by the editors.

Washington, DC

An androgynous, enigmatic shrouded bronze figure sits with his/her back against a wall. Officially "The Adams Memorial," it's one of the most photographed monuments in Washington, DC. It's also the tombstone of Clover Adams, a wealthy socialite photographer who killed herself in 1885 by drinking darkroom chemicals.

The bronze figure was sculpted by famous artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens (who later designed the $20 gold piece) and the wall was designed by famous architect Stanford White (who was later murdered by a jealous rival). Saint-Gaudens called his figure, "The Mystery of the Hereafter and The Peace of God that Passeth Understanding," but the public called it "Grief" -- a much less pretentious title that Clover Adams' husband hated.

Famous Shrouded Grave Statue

Rock Creek Cemetery

Address:
Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC
Directions:
Rock Creek Cemetery. Enter at the intersection of Webster St. NW and Rock Creek Church Rd NW. Drive straight in, make the fifth right, the a quick right again. Drive until the road curves left, then park. You'll see the Adams Memorial on the left, surrounded by shrubs.
Hours:
Gates open daily 8-dusk. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Grave of the Queen of the Corporate JungleGrave of the Queen of the Corporate Jungle, Washington, DC - < 1 mi.
Pope John Paul II's SkisPope John Paul II's Skis, Washington, DC - < 1 mi.
Largest Catholic Church - Mortal Combat JesusLargest Catholic Church - Mortal Combat Jesus, Washington, DC - 1 mi.
In the region:
JFK's Eternal Flame and Grave, Arlington, VA - 6 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in DC

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in DC.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

DC Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings