Deanwood Archives - Ghosts of DC

Suburban Gardens: DC’s Black Amusement Park in Deanwood

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 by ghostsofdc

Black-and-white panoramic photograph from 1927 of Suburban Gardens amusement park, showing a sign reading ICE CREAM COLD DRINKS at left, a CATERPILLAR ride sign behind it, and Black families in summer dress walking along a tree-lined dirt path.

Suburban Gardens opened at 50th and Hayes NE in June 1921, built by a Black-owned company. It was the only major amusement park ever inside the District, born because the region’s white parks barred Black Washingtonians.

Deanwood DC: From Railroad Accidents to President Roosevelt’s Train

April 27, 2026May 22, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Deanwood in the 1907 Baist Real Estate Atlas (Library of Congress)

Explore the history of Deanwood DC, from the railroad crossing accident that killed Judge Claughton & Miss Custis to President Roosevelt’s train stopping at the Deanwood crossing. Plus, learn about Nannie Helen Burroughs & Marvin Gaye’s former neighborhood.