LeDroit Park in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Flower Garden of Washington
Worthy Ambition
— LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale Heritage Trail —
A Peaceful Landscape With City Conveniences for wealthy Washingtonians: that was the goal of the men who made LeDroit Park.
Brothers-in-law Amzi L. Barber and Andrew Langdon purchased land here, and in 1873 hired local architect/builder James McGill to erect substantial houses. Each McGill house was unique, though all were Victorian in style with turrets, bay windows, and elaborate porches. Greenery and flowers between the unfenced Yards created boundaries and privacy. Barber lived in the grand house you see across Sixth Street. While many McGill houses remain, others have been replaced by rowhouses and apartment buildings.
A fence surrounding LeDroit Park kept it exclusive. The fence also stopped residents of Howardtown, an African American community to LeDroit's north, from cutting through. But the fence's days were numbered because the city refused to install sewers and pave streets here while it remained In 1887 after real estate developer Charles E. Banes purchased land in Howardtown, he enlisted neighbors to tear down a section of the barrier. “Howardtown emptied its whole energetic life upon the spot” noted a reporter. Finally in 1891 Amzi BaIber transferred LeDroit Park's streets to the District government, the fence came down for good, and streets were renamed to match the city system. African Americans soon began buying houses in LeDroit Park. By 1893 the neighborhood was integrated. Records show it was predominantly African American by 1920.
In 1910 the Howard Theatre, built for black audiences, opened across, Florida Avenue. Performers often found lodging at rooming houses such as 525 T Street when they couldn't stay at white-owned hotels. The legendary venue was shuttered for many years, but thanks to public and private investment it re-opened as a performance and restaurant space in 2012.
Erected 2013 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 38° 54.938′ N, 77° 1.209′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in LeDroit Park. Marker is on Florida Avenue Northwest (U.S. 29) near 6th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 T Street Northwest, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (within shouting distance of this marker); Cecilia Penny Scott (within shouting distance of this marker); The Doctor Is In (within shouting distance of this marker); Howard Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Howard Theatre Walk of Fame (about 300 feet away); Willis Richardson Residence (about 400 feet away); Armed Resistance (about 500 feet away); Seventh and T (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 23, 2017
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 23, 2017
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 489 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on July 4, 2020, by Bruce Guthrie of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on November 23, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on August 25, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.