Southwest Waterfront in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Creating the Waterfront

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 30, 2017

1. Creating the Waterfront Marker

Inscription. Before the 1800s, the Southwest Waterfront formed the eastern bank of the Potomac, but sediment accumulated as farming increased, making the river hard to navigate and prone to flooding. In 1882, plans to dredge the river were approved, with materials deposited on nearby mudflats, creating Potomac Park, thereby establishing the Washington Channel as well as the Tidal Basin.

Erected by Hoffman Madison Waterfront LLC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 38° 52.761′ N, 77° 1.559′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Waterfront. Marker is on Wharf Street Southwest west of Wharf Street Southwest, on the left when traveling west. This marker is on the District Pier at the DC Wharf in Southwest Washington. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 890 Water Street Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Urban Renewal (here, next to this marker); Navigating the Potomac River (a few steps from this marker); Houseboats on the Waterfront (a few steps from this marker); Long Bridge (a few steps from this marker); African-American History in Southwest

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); America's Oldest Operating Fish Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterfront Industry and Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); Underground Railroad and Waterway (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 30, 2017

2. Creating the Waterfront Marker

East Potomac Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 27, 2017

3. East Potomac Park

Close-up of photo on marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 7, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.