Anacostia is one of Washington’s oldest and most historically significant neighborhoods, settled by European colonists in the 17th century and home to Frederick Douglass from 1877 until his death in 1895. Separated from the rest of the city by the Anacostia River, the neighborhood has a long and complicated history that these posts explore from its earliest days through the 20th century and beyond.
Take a look at the Washington Navy Yard before, during, and after President Kennedy’s assassination with these aerial views from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Read about the robbery of Frederick Douglass’ former home at Cedar Hill in Anacostia, Washington D.C. in 1905. Learn more about this historic event from The Washington Post and other sources.
Take a look back in time to 1892 Anacostia with this historic map from the Library of Congress. Learn more about this fascinating piece of history today!
Learn what Good Hope Hill in Anacostia was like in 1857 – and how a sober gardener could earn $200 per year! Later, it was the location of the German Orphan Home.
Take a look at this 1867 map of the land on which St. Elizabeths Hospital was built, and explore its history. Click the map for greater detail and see the approximate area today on the Google Map.
Discover the forgotten history of Butler Heights, Washington DC with this vintage advertisement from 1916. Learn more about the tiny Butler St. SE, close to Frederick Douglass’ old home.
The Anacostia Bank opened at 2021 Nichols Avenue SE in 1910. In 1918 it was decorated head-to-toe in flags for a wartime parade. The building still stands, renamed, unbanked.
Take a look back at Anacostia’s iconic Uniontown Bar & Grill, a building that could soon have new life breathed into it. Learn about the history of the building and the recent bad decisions that led to its closure.
Take a look back in time with this series of photos capturing Washington in the 1960s as viewed from the east. Explore the scenery and architecture of the city in this special collection of images.
