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Georgia Avenue |
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What You'll See!Discover Georgia Avenue! This neighborhood's past is steeped in Civil War history and ripe with African American heritage. Its present is just as engaging with its stimulating blend of cultures, colorful shops, and the ultimate DC annual parade.
Civil War
DC's past comes to life at Fort Stevens, the only Civil War fort in Washington to see military action, and Battleground National Military Cemetery, the burial ground for the troops who lost their lives there.
Not enough to stimulate your inner Civil War enthusiast? Head on over to the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Among the artifacts exhibited here you can see the bullet that killed President Lincoln, as well as other exhibits on Civil War medicine.
Historic Howard, est. 1967
Howard University was the first university open to African Americans in the South. This distinguished school is an important source for African American heritage and culture. Must-sees on campus:
- Moorland-Springarn Research Center - one of the world's largest repositories pertaining to African American, Caribbean, and Latin American history
- Howard University Gallery of Art - home to Henry O. Tanner's historic Return from the Crucifixion
- Blackburn Center Gallery - presenting an array of works from national and international artists
- Howard Hall - home of founder Major General Oliver O. Howard
A Diverse Community
Historic Georgia Avenue, formerly the Seventh Street Turnpike, was once the transportation route running north into the countryside from Downtown Washington. Along this avenue, Irish, Germans, Italians, Greeks, and Eastern European immigrants and entrepreneurs built their communities.
More recently, communities of Latino, African, and Caribbean people have added their cultures to this mix. Celebrating the latter's heritage, the popular Caribbean Carnival takes place along Georgia Avenue each June. Crowds from all over the mid-Atlantic region enjoy the vibrant parade, music, food, and free concerts.
Battleground to Community: Brightwood Heritage Trail
Today, with revitalizing underway, Georgia Avenue is a busy commercial street that serves a series of varied neighborhoods along its five-mile route to the District line. To find out more, take the self-guided Battleground to Community: Brightwood Heritage Trail, centered around the intersection of Missouri and Georgia Avenues.
For More Information
Check our Calendar of Events for up-to-date information on exhibitions, lectures, and other heritage happenings in the city.
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