Place

Sarah Rittenhouse Armillary Sphere

metal astronomical sphere on top of a stone base
Armillary Sphere in Montrose Park

NPS Photo/ R. Maher

Quick Facts

Scenic View/Photo Spot

The memorial to Sarah Louise Rittenhouse (1845-1943) is an armillary sphere on a marble pedestal. She is considered the founder of Montrose Park in Georgetown and is given credit for saving the park area from a housing development planned in the early 1900's. This memorial was a gift from the Georgetown Garden Club and was dedicated in 1956.

Dedicated: 1956

Memorial Description

The bronze armillary sphere is no longer on the granite pedestal after it was damaged in 2019. Proposals for replacement are being worked on at this time.


Inscriptions
In Tribute to
Sarah Louisa Rittenhouse
1845-1942
Through Her Vision
And Perseverance This
Land Became
Montrose Park
An etching on the back of the pedestal reads:
Erected by the Georgetown Garden Club
1956

Rock Creek Park

Last updated: April 5, 2024