Rock Creek Park runs through the heart of Washington, a 1,754-acre strip of forested parkland that has divided the city’s neighborhoods since it was established by Congress in 1890. The park has served as a recreational escape for Washingtonians for more than a century, and its history includes Civil War fortifications, a functioning flour mill, and the unsolved murder of a Georgetown socialite. These posts explore Rock Creek Park’s long and layered history.
Learn about the mysterious alligators that appeared in Rock Creek Park in 1916 according to an article from The Washington Times. Plus, don’t forget to read about the alligators in the basement of the Commerce Department.
Take a journey back in time to explore Rock Creek Park with this 1922 map from the Washington Times. Learn about the drivable roadways and the history of this beautiful park.
Take a look at these unique photos from 1912 and see if you can recognize today’s Rock Creek Park. Can you identify these locations in the photos from the Library of Congress?
Revisiting Rock Creek in Washington, DC in the 1920s. See a photo comparison of a car crossing and horseback riders. View images from the Library of Congress.
Take a look back at how Washingtonians celebrated Independence Day in 1914. We’ve dug up photos, a program, and more from the Library of Congress to show what a Fourth of July celebration in Rock Creek Park looked like!
A plan was proposed in the 1880s to fill in Rock Creek and begin building an expansion of the city, connecting Georgetown to the rest of the city.
This 1924 photo of a Native American posing with his bow and arrow in Rock Creek Park was clearly staged. Uncover the mystery behind this historic image from the Library of Congress.
Explore a fascinating 1907 map of Rock Creek Park and get a glimpse into the large tracts of land that were present in the early 20th century. The map is oriented looking west.
The bridge at Calvert Street over Rock Creek opened to a 30,000-person parade on December 19, 1935. Renamed for Ellington in 1974.
