National Register of Historic Places listings in Southeast Quadrant, Washington, D.C. facts for kids
Washington, D.C. is full of amazing places with long histories! The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list of buildings, areas, and objects across the United States that are important to our country's past. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations.
This article explores some of the cool and historic spots located in the Southeast part of Washington, D.C. These places tell stories about how the city grew, important events, and the people who lived here.
Contents
Historic Neighborhoods and Districts
Southeast D.C. is home to several historic neighborhoods, each with its own unique story.
Anacostia Historic District
The Anacostia Historic District is a large area with about 550 buildings. Most of these buildings were built between 1854 and 1930. Anacostia was one of the first planned communities in D.C. for working-class people. It has a rich history, especially related to African American culture and civil rights.
Capitol Hill Historic District
The Capitol Hill Historic District is one of the largest historic areas in Washington, D.C. It surrounds the U.S. Capitol Building and is known for its beautiful row houses and tree-lined streets. Many important government buildings and historic homes are found here, showing how the city developed around its political center.
The Washington Navy Yard is a very important historic site. It was the first shore facility of the U.S. Navy and has been active since 1799. Over the years, it played a big role in building ships and developing naval technology. Today, it's still an active military base and home to the Naval History and Heritage Command.
Several buildings within the Navy Yard are also individually listed as historic.
- Commandant's Office, Washington Navy Yard: This building was where the Navy Yard's commanding officer worked.
- Main Gate, Washington Navy Yard: Also known as the Latrobe Gate, this beautiful gate was designed by famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. It's a grand entrance to the historic Navy Yard.
- Quarters A and B, Washington Navy Yard: These were homes for high-ranking officers within the Navy Yard.
Important Buildings and Sites
Beyond the large historic districts, Southeast D.C. has many individual buildings and sites that are important to history.
Christ Church, Washington Parish
Christ Church is a historic church located on Capitol Hill. It's an example of the early religious buildings that served the growing community in Washington, D.C.
Congressional Cemetery
The Congressional Cemetery is a unique and historic burial ground. Many important people are buried here, including members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and even some famous Americans like John Philip Sousa. It's a quiet place that tells the story of many lives connected to the nation's capital. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 2011.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is the former home of Frederick Douglass, a famous abolitionist, writer, and statesman. His home, called "Cedar Hill," is where he lived the last 17 years of his life. It's a very important place for understanding the fight for civil rights and freedom in American history.
Eastern Market
Eastern Market is a historic public market on Capitol Hill. It has been a place for people to buy fresh food and goods for over a century. It was badly damaged by a fire in 2007 but was lovingly restored and reopened in 2009, showing its importance to the community.
Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is a world-renowned research library and museum dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. It holds the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works and other rare Renaissance books. It's a treasure for anyone interested in literature and history.
The Old Naval Hospital on Capitol Hill served as a hospital for naval personnel. It's a reminder of the city's role in supporting the military throughout history.
St. Elizabeths Hospital
St. Elizabeths Hospital was one of the first and largest mental health hospitals in the United States. It has a long and complex history related to the treatment of mental illness and the development of psychiatric care.
John Philip Sousa Junior High School
John Philip Sousa Junior High School is named after the famous composer. This school played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1950, eleven African American students were not allowed to attend the school because it was only for white students. This unfair rule was challenged and eventually overturned by the Supreme Court in 1954 with the Bolling v. Sharpe case. This decision helped end segregated public schools in D.C. and was a big step towards equal rights.
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery is another historic cemetery in Southeast D.C. It provides a peaceful resting place and reflects the community's history.
Civil War History
Southeast D.C. has many sites connected to the American Civil War.
Civil War Fort Sites
During the Civil War, Washington, D.C. was a key target for attacks. To protect the city, the Union Army quickly built a ring of forts around it. These Civil War Fort Sites include the remains of 19 earthwork forts, like Fort Chaplin, Fort Dupont, Fort Davis, and Fort Stanton. These sites show how D.C. was defended during a very difficult time in American history.
Civil War Monuments
Across Washington, D.C., there are many statues and memorials dedicated to the Civil War. These Civil War Monuments honor important people and events from that time. One notable monument in Southeast D.C. is the Emancipation Memorial in Lincoln Park, which shows Abraham Lincoln and a freed slave.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Some historic listings highlight important parts of the city's transportation and public services.
Suitland Parkway
The Suitland Parkway is a historic road that connects parts of D.C. to Maryland. It was designed as a scenic parkway, blending nature with transportation.
Washington and Georgetown Railroad Car House
This building, also known as the Blue Castle, was once a car house for the Washington and Georgetown Railroad. It's a reminder of the early days of public transportation in the city, when streetcars were pulled by horses.
Other Notable Places
Duvall Manor Apartments
The Duvall Manor Apartments are an example of historic residential buildings in the Greenway neighborhood.
Texas Gardens Apartments
The Texas Gardens Apartments are another historic apartment complex in the Randle Highlands area.
Engine Company No. 19 and No. 25
These historic fire stations, Engine Company No. 19 and Engine Company No. 25, represent the long history of fire protection services in D.C.
Saint Paul African Union Methodist Church
Saint Paul African Union Methodist Church is a historic place of worship in the Navy Yard area, reflecting the spiritual and community life of the neighborhood.
U.S. Marine Corps Barracks and Commandant's House
The U.S. Marine Corps Barracks and Commandant's House is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. It's where the Commandant of the Marine Corps lives and where the famous "Evening Parade" takes place.
Washington Yacht Club
The Washington Yacht Club is a historic club for boating enthusiasts located along the Anacostia River.
Watterston House
The Watterston House is a historic home on Capitol Hill, representing the residential architecture of the area.
Images for kids
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East Corner Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia.
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Engine Company No. 19.
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Engine Company No. 25.
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Friendship House-The Maples.
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The Furies Collective building.
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Gallinger Municipal Hospital Psychopathic Ward.
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Main Sewerage Pumping Station, District of Columbia.
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Quarters A, Washington Navy Yard.
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Quarters B, Washington Navy Yard.
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St. Mark's Church.
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Southeast No. 1 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia.
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Southeast No. 2 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia.
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Southeast No. 3 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia.
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Southeast No. 5 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia.
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Southeast No. 6 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia.
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Southeast No. 7 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia.
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Duvall Manor Apartments.
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Texas Gardens Apartments.
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