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Capitol Hill |
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| Photo: William Geiger |
Nestled next to the U.S. Capitol grounds is the charming, 19th-century neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Pierre L'Enfant selected this area, once known as Jenkins Hill, as the perfect location for the city's important Capitol building.
Today, East Capitol Street runs through the center of this neighborhood of much-sought-after modest row houses and handsome homes. Pennsylvania Avenue radiates in another direction creating an eclectic, commercial center in the neighborhood. And Barracks Row, heading south from the Eastern Market Metro station, has become one of the city's best spots for shopping, restaurants, and bars.
The quarter's unique museums and the restored Union Station present an array of activities, and the wide range of historic homes offers a sumptuous architectural feast. Don't bypass the Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeareana, and be sure to pay a visit to the headquarters of the historic National Woman's Party, the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum.
Despite a recent fire, the historic Eastern Market has been renovated, and the Flea Market is in full swing every Saturday and Sunday, offering visitors an assortment of arts, collectibles, crafts, produce, and imported goods for sale.
An Art on Call program is underway in this neighborhood. Stay tuned for upcoming details on this creative endeavor.
Architecture
If you missed the annual Capitol Hill House and Garden Tour, which the Capitol Hill Restoration Society holds each May, you can take a self-guided stroll along the neighborhood's brick sidewalks, and discover diverse architectural styles designed by notable local architects. Why not start your architectural tour on East Capitol Street and head toward Lincoln Park. It is only .7 mi. down this stretch. Detours down some of the charming side streets will reward your architectural cravings. Look for wonderful architectural examples of Federal, Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, Italianate, and Beaux-Arts.
Tour of Duty: Barracks Row Heritage Trail
This self-guided walking trail covers the neighborhood's plentiful military and political history. See John Philip Sousa's birthplace, the country's oldest continuously manned Marine installation, and much more. Follow the signs to learn about Barracks Row's vibrant community!
Check out the video below for a peek at this remarkable neighborhood tour, produced by Tatiana Petrone and Alice Lee. These American University students created the travelogue as part of their documentary film class taught by Brent Hurd, summer 2007.
Tell us what you think! Email the students at triplekite@gmail.com and hapalemur@hotmail.com, or us at trail@CulturalTourismDC.org.
For More Information
Check out our CALENDAR OF EVENTS for up-to-date information on exhibitions, lectures and other heritage happenings in the city.
Looking for shopping, accommodation or dining ideas? Check out Capitol Hill's merchants association listings at www.CapitolHill.org.
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