Mount Vernon Square in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
On the Path
Midcity at the Crossroads
— Shaw Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 14, 2018
The wooden chapel here was completed in 1857 as a mission of the McKendree Methodist Church. Known as Fletcher Chapel, it may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Washington's Anti-Saloon League began meeting at Fletcher Chapel in 1893 and later merged into the National Anti-Saloon League. The League helped persuade Congress to pass the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol sales and consumption in 1920. Two years later, though, Congress imposed Prohibition on Washington as a test case. Local and national Prohibition ended with the 18th Amendment repeal in 1933.
In 1905 Fletcher Chapel was purchased by First Tabernacle Church of God and Saints of Christ.
Across this intersection is Bible Way Temple. Founder Rev. Smallwood E. Williams began his preaching career outdoors on Seventh Street. At the time of his death in 1991, Williams led the more than 300 churches of Bible Way Church World Wide. Active in civil rights and city politics, Williams saved his church from demolition for highway construction in 1963. Today Interstate 395 bends around its site.
Just up Fourth Street at the corner of N is the site of the first pharmacy opened by Roscoe Pinkett. The family's business went on to include John R. Pinkett, Inc., a real estate and insurance company based in Shaw from 1932 until 1992.
As you walk to sign 16, notice the Yale Steam Laundry at 437-443 New York Avenue. Designed in 1902 to blend in with its residential neighbors, its state-of-the-art machinery washed, dried, and ironed uniforms, tablecloths, and linens collected at Yale's many DC storefronts.
Erected 2006 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 15.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Architecture • Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Shaw Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 38° 54.303′ N, 77° 0.972′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Mount Vernon Square. Marker is at the intersection of 4th Street Northwest and New York Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling south on 4th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1140 4th 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. History in a House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bishop Smallwood Edmond Williams, D.D. (about 400 feet away); To Market, To Market (approx. 0.2 miles away); Votes for Women (approx. 0.2 miles
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 14, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 14, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 14, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on March 8, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 14, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.