Georgia Avenue
What You'll See!
Discover Georgia Avenue, a busy commercial street that intersects several historic neighborhoods along its five-mile route to the District line. This corridor'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 Cemetery, the burial ground for Union soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Fort Stevens, in July 1864.
Not enough to stimulate your inner Civil War enthusiast? Head over to the National Museum of Health and Medicine, where you'll see the bullet that killed President Lincoln, among other artifacts relating to Civil War-era medicine.
Historic Howard University, est. 1867
Howard University was the first university open to African Americans in the South. This distinguished school represents an important resource for African American heritage and culture in DC. Must-sees on campus:
- Moorland-Spingarn Research Center - one of the world's largest repositories of African Diaspora 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 - former home of founder Major General Oliver O. Howard
Watch for plaques marking African American Heritage Trail sites on the Howard campus.
A Diverse Community
Historic Georgia Avenue, formerly the Seventh Street Turnpike, was once the transportation route connecting the Maryland countryside with Downtown Washington. In several locations African American communities developed before and during the Civil War. Later Irish, German, Italians, Greek, and Eastern European immigrants and entrepreneurs built their communities along this corridor.
More recently, Latino, African, and Caribbean families and entrepreneurs have added their cultures to this mix. Each June, the popular Caribbean Carnival takes place along Georgia Avenue, drawing crowds from all over the mid-Atlantic region to the vibrant parade, music, food, and free concerts.
Battleground to Community: Brightwood Heritage Trail
Today, Washington’s Great Streets program is bringing new development to Georgia Avenue. 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 out our Calendar for up-to-date information on exhibitions, lectures and other heritage happenings in the city.
Spread the Word
Testimonials
“The DC Jazz Jam has provided a tremendous boost to DC’s indigenous jazz scene. [The] cadre of fine musicians at Dahlak have managed to create a warm, inviting, encouraging, and creative environment at their weekly jam sessions, which is no small accomplishment. Experienced professionals, like myself, attend the jam to relax, stretch out musically, and network with other players. But at the same time, the DC Jazz Jam has proved to be the perfect setting for younger talent to come out, and have some of their first experiences playing in front of an audience and to learn their craft in the laboratory of a nurturing jam session. In this manner, the DC Jazz Jam is but the latest chapter in Washington’s long history with America’s classical music, jazz.”