The Van Ness Mausoleum was designed by George Hadfield

George Hadfield (architect)

George Hadfield was born in Livorno, Italy of English parents, who were hotel-keepers. He studied at the Royal Academy, and worked with James Wyatt for six years before emigrating to the United States....

. It is said to be a copy of the Temple of Vesta

Temple of Vesta

The Temple of Vesta is an ancient edifice in Rome, Italy, located in the Roman Forum near the Regia and the House of the Vestal Virgins. The temple's most recognizable feature is its circular footprint. Since the worship of Vesta began in private homes, the architecture seems to be a reminder of...

 in Rome

Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...

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History

It was constructed in 1833, after the architect's death in 1826, initially for the wife of John Peter Van Ness

John Peter Van Ness

John Peter Van Ness was a United States Representative from New York. Born in Ghent, New York to an old Dutch family. He completed preparatory studies at Washington Seminary and attended Columbia College in New York City...

who died in 1832. The mausoleum was originally on H Street, on the grounds of the orphan asylum founded by Mrs. Van Ness. Built at an estimated cost of $34,000 with space for 18, it ultimately held 7, including John Peter Van Ness, who was interred inside in 1847. The mausoleum was moved by Col. W. H. Philip to Oak Hill Cemetery in 1872. The structure was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.