Meridian Hill Park: A Complete History of DC’s Italian Renaissance Park
Meridian Hill Park is DC’s Italian Renaissance secret: Mary Foote Henderson’s vision, the 1922 Joan of Arc statue, and a drum circle going since 1965.
Meridian Hill
Meridian Hill sits at the edge of Columbia Heights in Northwest DC, anchored by the formal terraced park that bears its name. The hill was once a contested symbolic boundary between North and South Washington.
Fidel Castro in Washington, DC in 1959: A Photo Essay
Relive Fidel Castro’s visit to Washington, DC in 1959. This photo essay takes a look at a young Castro, his visit to Meridian Hill Park and his arrival at National Airport. A fascinating look at a revolutionary leader from our own backyard.
Four New Sites for the White House
Last week we posted a detailed topographical map of Rock Creek Park from 1866. There were some great comments on it, including GoDCer Elizabeth’s observation that the map was entitled “Location for a Public Park & Site for Presidential Mansion” … intriguing. Another GoDCer, Carlton from Glover Park History, did some digging and came up with … Read more
Exploring the Proposed Executive Mansion on Meridian Hill and Mary Foote Henderson’s Plans for Washington
Take a look at the proposed Executive Mansion to be built on Meridian Hill, a plan championed by Mary Foote Henderson. See the extravagant design, plus learn more about Mrs. Henderson and other buildings that were never built in Washington.
Exploring the Dedication Ceremony of the Joan of Arc Statue in Meridian Hill Park
The sword in Joan of Arc’s hand in Meridian Hill Park was stolen in 1978. It took until December 2011 to replace the blade.