Cathedral Heights in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Nourse Farm
The Washington National Cathedral, standing majestically on the commanding heights of the city, was not the first religious institution on Mount Alban. Joseph Nourse, a Revolutionary War veteran who moved his family to the site in 1813, dreamed of establishing a church there. Nourse (pronounced Nurse) was named register of the United States Treasury by President George Washington. He served seven presidents, until Andrew Jackson fired him and several of his relatives in 1829 to "clean out the Noursery." Upon Nourse's death in 1841, his home became a school with a chapel. Worshippers' contributions, including an initial bequest of 40 gold coins earned, in part, by Nourse's granddaughter Phoebe for her needlework, made possible the opening of St. Albans Church in 1854. It was the first church with no pew fees in Washington. Construction of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul was begun in 1907 and completed in 1990. It is a house of prayer for all people.
a granddaughter of Joseph Nourse.
It is a reproduced with permission of W. Alexander Williams,
a Nourse descendant.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
this page online
Location. 38° 55.906′ N, 77° 4.363′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Cathedral Heights. Marker is at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue Northwest and Woodley Road Northwest on Wisconsin Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3140 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Woodley Inn (a few steps from this marker); Earthquake Update (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Why Are These Stones Here? (about 500 feet away); All Hallows Guild (about 500 feet away); Twisted Pinnacles! (about 500 feet away); Damage Alert! (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Damage Alert! (about 600 feet away); Cathedral Heights Business District (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 318 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on July 1, 2020, by Bruce Guthrie of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
