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National Register of Historic Places listings in the upper NW Quadrant of Washington, D.C. facts for kids

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This is a list of special places and buildings in the Northwest part of Washington, D.C.. These spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important to the history of the United States. This list focuses on places east of Rock Creek and north of M Street.

Historic Places in Northwest D.C.

Washington, D.C., is full of amazing historical sites. Many of these places are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This list highlights some of the most interesting and important spots in the Northwest part of the city. From famous homes to historic schools and beautiful parks, these locations tell stories about the past.

Homes of Famous People

Many important figures in American history lived in Northwest D.C. Their homes are now preserved for everyone to learn from.

This grand house at 2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, was built in 1905. It was once the home of Larz Anderson, a diplomat, and his wife, Isabel. Today, it is the national headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati, a group of descendants of officers from the American Revolution. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

Larz Anderson House - Washington, D.C.
The beautiful Larz Anderson House.

Located at 1421 W Street, NW, this house was home to Mary Ann Shadd Cary. She was an amazing woman who fought for civil rights and women's rights. She was also the first African American newspaper publisher in North America. This house became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Mary Ann Shadd Cary House
Mary Ann Shadd Cary's historic home.

At 1726 N Street, NW, you'll find the former home of Elliott Coues. He was a famous American ornithologist, someone who studies birds. He also explored the American West. His house was made a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

The Elliott Coues House.

This house at 2223 R Street, NW, was the home of Charles Evans Hughes. He was a very important lawyer and politician, serving as a Supreme Court Justice and Secretary of State. The house became a National Historic Landmark in 1972.

Embassy of Myanmar United States aka Charles Evans Hughes House
The Charles Evans Hughes House, now the Embassy of Myanmar.

Found at 1318 Vermont Avenue, NW, this was the home of Mary McLeod Bethune. She was a leader in education and civil rights. This house was also the headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women. It became a National Historic Site in 1982.

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House.

The house at 2326 California Street, NW, belonged to Frances Perkins. She was the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, as Secretary of Labor during the Great Depression. Her home was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1991.

Frances Perkins House
Frances Perkins's historic residence.

At 1530 Fifteenth Street, NW, was the home of Alma Thomas. She was a groundbreaking African American artist and educator. Her vibrant abstract paintings are famous worldwide. Her house was listed in 1987.

Alma Thomas House
The Alma Thomas House.

Located at 326 T Street, NW, this was the home of Mary Church Terrell. She was a prominent civil rights activist and one of the first African American women to earn a college degree. Her house became a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

Mary Church Terrell House, 326 T Street Northwest (Washington, District of Columbia)
The Mary Church Terrell House.

The home of the 28th U.S. President, Woodrow Wilson, is at 2340 S Street, NW. He lived here after his presidency. It is now a museum. This house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

The Woodrow Wilson House.
  • Carter G. Woodson House

At 1538 9th Street, NW, you can find the former home of Carter G. Woodson. He was a historian and is known as the "Father of Black History." He started Black History Week, which later became Black History Month. His house became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Carter Woodson House
The Carter G. Woodson House.

Important Public Spaces and Parks

D.C. has many beautiful and historically significant parks and public areas.

  • American Revolution Statuary

You can find 14 statues related to the American Revolution in various public buildings and parks across D.C. These statues honor important figures and events from the birth of the United States. They were listed in 1978.

John Witherspoon statue DC
A statue of John Witherspoon, part of the American Revolution Statuary.
  • Civil War Fort Sites

During the American Civil War, Washington, D.C., was a key target. To protect the city, the Union Army quickly built a ring of forts around it. These 19 earthwork forts, including Fort Stevens, are now historic sites. They were listed in 1974.

Fort Stevens Park DC 05
Fort Stevens, one of the Civil War Fort Sites.
  • Civil War Monuments in Washington, DC

Eighteen statues across Washington, D.C., honor people and events from the Civil War. These monuments help us remember this important time in American history. They were listed in 1978.

General Winfield Scott statue (45726769)
The General Winfield Scott statue, one of the Civil War Monuments.

This beautiful park, also known as Malcolm X Park, is located at 16th, Euclid, 15th, and W Streets, NW. It's famous for its cascading fountain and statues. It was designed to be a formal urban park and became a National Historic Landmark in 1974.

Malcolm X Park
The cascading fountain at Meridian Hill Park.

Rock Creek Park is a large urban park that runs through Northwest D.C. It offers a natural escape with trails, trees, and wildlife. Many historic bridges and structures are within the park. The park itself was recognized as a historic district in 1991.

Rock-Creek-Park
A view of Rock Creek Park.
  • U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home

This historic home on Rock Creek Church Road, NW, has provided care for retired military members since 1851. It's a peaceful place with beautiful grounds. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1974.

US Soldiers Home (Main Facade), Washington, DC
The U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home.

Schools and Educational Sites

Several schools and educational buildings in Northwest D.C. have important historical significance.

  • Armstrong Manual Training School

Located at the junction of 1st and P Streets, NW, this school was important for providing vocational training. It was listed in 1996.

Armstrong Manual Training School
The Armstrong Manual Training School building.
  • Blanche Kelso Bruce Elementary School

This school at 770 Kenyon Street, NW, is named after Blanche Kelso Bruce, an important African American politician. It was listed in 2015.

Cesar Chavez Public Charter School - Bruce Campus DC
The Blanche Kelso Bruce Elementary School.
  • Francis L. Cardozo Senior High School

Found at the junction of 13th and Clifton Streets, NW, this high school has been a part of the community for many years. It was listed in 1993.

Cardozo Senior High School
Francis L. Cardozo Senior High School.
  • Nathaniel Parker Gage School

This school building at 2035 2nd Street, NW, was listed in 2008. It represents the history of education in the city.

Gage School DC
The Nathaniel Parker Gage School.

Located at 43 P Street, NW, this school is named after John Mercer Langston, a prominent abolitionist and politician. It was listed in 2013.

John Mercer Langston School
The John Mercer Langston School.

At 1375 Missouri Avenue, NW, this school has a unique history. It was listed in 2003.

Military Road School DC
The Military Road School.
  • Miner Normal School

This school at 2565 Georgia Avenue, NW, was important for training teachers, especially African American teachers. It was listed in 1991.

Miner Teachers College - Washington, D.C.
The Miner Normal School.
  • Petworth Neighborhood Library

The Petworth Branch Library at 4200 Kansas Avenue, NW, is a community landmark. It was listed in 2018.

Petworth Branch Library
The Petworth Neighborhood Library.

Located at 7th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW, this junior high school has served the community for many years. It was listed in 2008.

Asbury Dwellings
Shaw Junior High School.

This school at 45 P Street, NW, was listed in 2013, recognizing its historical importance in the community.

John Fox Slater Elementary School
The John Fox Slater Elementary School.

At 17th and M Streets, NW, the Charles Sumner School is a historic building. It was listed in 1979.

Charles Sumner School - Washington, D.C.
The Charles Sumner School.
  • James Ormond Wilson Normal School

This school at 1100 Harvard Street, NW, was important for teacher training. It was listed in 2015.

Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School DC
The James Ormond Wilson Normal School, now Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School.

Places of Worship

Many beautiful and historic churches are found in Northwest D.C.

  • All Souls Church, Unitarian

This church at 1500 Harvard Street, NW, is a significant religious building. It was listed in 2020.

All Souls Church DC Highsmith
All Souls Church, Unitarian.
  • Emory United Methodist Church

Located at 6100 Georgia Avenue, NW, this church was listed in 2015.

Emory UMC DC 01
Emory United Methodist Church.
  • First African New Church

This church at 2105-07 10th Street, NW, was listed in 2009.

1st African NW DC
The First African New Church.
  • First Church of Christ, Scientist

At 1770 Euclid Street, NW, this church was listed in 2015.

First Church of Christ, Scientist - Washington, DC
First Church of Christ, Scientist.
  • Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

This church at 4300 16th Street, NW, was listed in 2013.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran DC
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.
  • Grace Reformed Church, Sunday School and Parish House

Located at 1405 15th Street, NW, this church complex was listed in 1991.

Grace Reformed Church (Washington, D.C.)
Grace Reformed Church.
  • Immaculate Conception Church

This church at 1315 8th Street, NW, was listed in 2003.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Immaculate Conception Church.
  • Kelsey Temple Church of God in Christ

At 1435–1437 Park Road, NW, this church was listed in 2017.

Kelsey Temple Church of God in Christ, DC
Kelsey Temple Church of God in Christ.

This church at 1701 11th Street, NW, was listed in 1995.

Lincoln Congregational Temple, United Church of Christ
Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ.
  • Luther Place Memorial Church

Located at 1226 Vermont Avenue, NW, this church is a prominent landmark. It was listed in 1973.

Luther Place Memorial Church - Martin Luther statue
Luther Place Memorial Church.
  • Park View Christian Church

This church at 625 Park Road, NW, was listed in 2014.

Park View Christian Church DC
Park View Christian Church.

At 15th and Church Streets, NW, this church was the first independent Black Episcopal parish in Washington. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church Washington DC
St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
  • St. Matthew's Cathedral and Rectory

This beautiful cathedral at 1725–1739 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, was listed in 1974.

2013 Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.
  • St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Located at Rock Creek Church Road and Webster Street, NW, this historic church was listed in 1972.

St. Paul's Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
  • Third Baptist Church

This church at 1546 5th Street, NW, was listed in 2008.

ThirdBaptistChurchDC
Third Baptist Church.

Other Interesting Sites

Northwest D.C. also has many other unique and historically significant buildings and districts.

  • Adams Memorial

This famous grave marker by Augustus Saint-Gaudens is located at Webster Street and Rock Creek Church Road, NW. It's known for its mysterious and emotional statue. It was listed in 1972.

Adams Memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
The Adams Memorial statue.

This building at 1530 P Street, NW, was part of the Carnegie Institution, which supported scientific research. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Administration Building - Carnegie Institution of Washington
The Administration Building of the Carnegie Institution of Washington.
  • Anthony Bowen YMCA

Located at 1816 12th Street, NW, this YMCA was important for the African American community. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1983.

12th Street YMCA Building
The Anthony Bowen YMCA building.
  • Battleground National Cemetery

This cemetery at 6625 Georgia Avenue, NW, is a solemn place. It was listed in 1966.

Battleground Cemetery
Battleground National Cemetery.
  • Blagden Alley-Naylor Court Historic District

This historic district, bounded by O, 9th, M, and 10th Streets, NW, is known for its unique alleyways and historic buildings. It was listed in 1990.

Blagden Alley-Naylor Court Historic District 13
A view of Blagden Alley.
  • Bloomingdale Historic District

This historic district is bounded by Florida Avenue, Channing, Bryant, North Capital, and 2nd Streets, NW. It features many historic row houses. It was listed in 2018.

Bloomingdale row houses DC 05
Historic row houses in Bloomingdale.
  • Boulder Bridge

This bridge in Rock Creek Park is known for its unique construction using natural boulders. It was listed in 1980.

Boulder Bridge
Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park.
  • Christian Heurich Mansion

At 1307 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, this mansion is a beautiful example of late 19th-century architecture. It was listed in 1969.

Heurich House Museum
The Christian Heurich Mansion.

Located at 620 T Street, NW, the Howard Theatre is a famous music venue that played a key role in African American culture. Many legendary artists performed here. It was listed in 1974.

Howard Theatre 2014
The historic Howard Theatre.

At 1215 U Street, NW, the Lincoln Theatre is another important cultural landmark. It was a major entertainment hub for the African American community. It was listed in 1993.

Lincoln Theatre - U Street
The Lincoln Theatre on U Street.

This historic building at 1326–1346 Florida Avenue, NW, was once a large laundry facility. It was listed in 1994.

Manhattan Laundry, DC
The Manhattan Laundry building.
  • O Street Market

Located at 1400 7th Street, NW, the O Street Market is a historic market building. It was listed in 1995.

O Street Market 2014
The O Street Market.

This art museum at 1600–1614 21st Street, NW, is the first museum of modern art in the United States. It was listed in 1973.

The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection building.
  • Prince Hall Masonic Temple

At 1000 U Street, NW, this temple is an important building for the Prince Hall Masons, an African American Masonic group. It was listed in 1983.

Prince Hall Masonic Temple
The Prince Hall Masonic Temple.
  • Rock Creek Cemetery

This cemetery at Webster Street and Rock Creek Church Road, NW, is a historic burial ground. It was listed in 1977.

Rock Creek Cemetery, grave marker
A grave marker in Rock Creek Cemetery.
  • Tivoli Theatre

Located at 3301–3325 14th Street, NW, the Tivoli Theatre is a historic movie palace. It was listed in 1985.

TivoliTheater
The Tivoli Theatre.

At 1200 U Street, NW, this building was the headquarters for the Grand United Order of True Reformers, an important African American fraternal organization. It was listed in 1989.

True Reformer Hall
The True Reformer Building.
  • Washington Club

This club at 15 Dupont Circle, NW, is also known as Patterson House. It was listed in 1972.

Washington Club
The Washington Club.
  • Phillis Wheatley YWCA

Located at 901 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, this YWCA was important for providing services to African American women. It was listed in 1983.

Phillis Wheatley YWCA
The Phillis Wheatley YWCA.

At 1839 13th Street, NW, the Whitelaw Hotel was an important hotel for African Americans during the era of segregation. It was listed in 1993.

Whitelaw Hotel
The Whitelaw Hotel.

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National Register of Historic Places listings in the upper NW Quadrant of Washington, D.C. Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.