8 Historic Neighborhoods in Washington DC That Will Transport You To The Past

Brightwood is a neighborhood in the northwestern quadrant of Washington DC. DC has its roots in the Civil War. Brightwood is home to Fort Stevens, where President Lincoln became the only sitting US president to come under enemy fire during the Civil War.

Originally called Jenkins Hill, the charming Capitol Hill neighborhood is full of beautiful historic architecture. This neighborhood is the city’s largest historic district and is home to John Philip Sousa’s birthplace and much more!

Georgetown began as a Maryland tobacco port in 1751, making it the oldest neighborhood in Washington DC. When Congress created DC in 1791, the District’s boundaries were drawn to include Georgetown. Visitors can take a trip down the historic canal or see the beautiful historic homes, including where a young Jack and Jackie Kennedy lived before they moved to the White House.

Lafayette Square surrounds the White House and Lafayette Park is full of some of the most famous stories from DC’s history. Many famous faces lived in Lafayette Park lived here including John Hay, Henry Adams and William Wilson Corcoran. Lafayette Square is home to Decatur House, which is one of the most historic buildings in the city.

Columbia Heights is an evolving neighborhood that has survived a tense past to welcome a thriving and charming present. The 14th Street section was at one time, one of the city’s most important shopping destinations. But following the riots in 1968, the street was looted and burned. The damage by the riots lasted for decades but in recent years, the neighborhood has recovered. Enjoy the elegant row houses and the rich history.

Originally named Mount Pleasant Village by Samuel P. Brown who owned the land during the Civil War. Today Mount Pleasant features main streets and a town square, making it feel like the village it used to be. The entire Mount Pleasant neighborhood is protected as a historic district. The neighborhood has transformed many times over the years but it is still home to one of the city’s oldest bakeries, Heller’s.

Anacostia is located east of the Anacostia River in Southeast DC. In 1854, a part of Anacostia was incorporated as Uniontown and was one of the first suburbs in DC. It was designed as affordable housing for the working class. In 1854, Frederick Douglass bought the estate Cedar Hill, which sits on top of the hill in Anacostia and is maintained a historic site.

Tenleytown is home to the smallest historic district in DC. The Grant Road Historic District is 33 feet wide and features 13 buildings that date back to the mid-19th century. They act as visible reminders of the area’s rural village origins.