GEORGETOWN HISTORY

Georgetown began as a tobacco port in 1751, 40 years before Washington was chosen as the national capital. It is the city’s oldest neighborhood and is a historic district. African Americans have lived and worked here since its beginning. After the Civil War, Herring Hill, a 15-block area of eastern-most Georgetown (south of P Street between Rock Creek Park and 31st Street, NW), was a magnet for families migrating to Washington. Cultural Tourism DC has created a self-guided African American Heritage Trail tour where you can see many of these African American institutions and houses. Click here for details.