Takoma, Washington, D.C facts for kids
Takoma is a lively neighborhood in northern Washington, D.C.. It is located in the northwest part of the city. Takoma is right next to Takoma Park, Maryland. It is a diverse neighborhood, home to many middle-class families.
Takoma's small downtown area has recently been updated. This has brought in new people and exciting new businesses. Many houses in Takoma are very old and have a lot of history, with some being over 100 years old.
In the Council of the District of Columbia, Takoma and the rest of Ward 4 are represented by Brandon Todd.
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Where is Takoma Located?
Takoma shares a border with Takoma Park, Maryland, along Eastern Avenue. These two places have a lot in common because they started at the same time. The downtown area around the Takoma Metro station even crosses the line between D.C. and Maryland.
Takoma is surrounded by Georgia Avenue to the west and Eastern Avenue to the northeast. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Georgia Avenue separates Takoma from Rock Creek Park.
The neighborhood has a great place for fun called the Takoma Recreation Center and Public Pool. It is one of the main recreation centers in D.C.
A Look at Takoma's History
Quick facts for kids |
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Takoma Park Historic District
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House on Cedar St. NW
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 Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by DC/MD boundary, 7th Street, Piney Branch Road, Aspen Street, and Fern Street. |
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| NRHP reference No. | 83001416 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1983 |
Takoma was first created in 1883 by a developer named Benjamin Franklin Gilbert. He wanted to build a community where people could live and easily travel to the city by train.
Gilbert invited the Seventh-day Adventist Church to set up their main offices and a publishing house in Takoma, D.C. They also had a hospital and college nearby in Takoma Park, Maryland. This community became known for healthy living.
At first, Takoma, D.C., was a busy shopping area for the whole region. It had big stores and factories where the Metro station is now. Later, Silver Spring, Maryland grew and became another commercial center.
How Takoma Got Its Name
The name Takoma originally came from the Lushootseed language. It was the name for Mount Rainier, meaning 'snow-covered mountain'.
In 1883, Benjamin Franklin Gilbert wanted to change the name of the local train stop. A D.C. resident named Ida Summy suggested Takoma. She believed it meant 'high up' or 'near heaven'.
Important Buildings and Community Spirit
The Seventh-day Adventist Church kept its world headquarters and publishing house in Takoma, D.C., until the early 1980s. After they moved, the old publishing house became a space for artists and for the Washington Opera to practice.
The Takoma Theater, built in 1924, is an important building in the neighborhood. A group called Takoma Theatre Conservancy is working to buy and fix up the theater. They hope to reopen it for the community.
The Takoma Masonic Center also started in 1924. It is located at the corner of Carroll St. NW and Maple St. NW. The Masonic Center is a community partner. Groups like Hiram-Takoma Lodge No. 10 and Takoma Chapter No. 12 have met there since 1925. They often take part in Takoma community events.
Working Together for the Community
Both Takoma, D.C., and Takoma Park, Maryland, became known for their progressive ideas starting in the 1960s. Residents, led by future Takoma Park, MD mayor Sam Abbott, worked together to stop a large freeway from cutting through their community.
They also pushed for the Metrorail system to be built. This system was placed near the old B&O train station, which was the heart of the community. Today, both sides of the D.C.-Maryland line are protected as U.S. Historic Districts.
Education in Takoma
The District of Columbia Public Schools manages the public schools in Takoma. Takoma Education Campus and Coolidge High School are both located here.
The District of Columbia Public Library runs the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library. This library was the first neighborhood library in Washington, D.C. It is also a Carnegie library.
Additionally, EF International Languages Center Washington D.C. is in Takoma. It is a private English school for students from other countries.
