McLean Gardens in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Evalyn Walsh McLean and the Hope Diamond
A Cinderella world once existed behind the stone wall you see straight ahead, occupied by Evalyn Walsh McLean.
Evalyn was the only daughter of multimillionaire Thomas F. Walsh — he struck gold in Colorado — and Carrie Bell Reed, a schoolteacher. Evalyn's husband Edward Beale McLean owned The Washington Post after the death of his father, Post publisher John R. McLean. The McLeans lived in splendor here with their children, Vinson, Edward, John, and Emily (“Evalyn”) on 75 acres behind the wall. (Their mansion, Friendship, was demolished in 1942 for McLean Gardens.)
Evalyn moved easily in Washington's elite social circles, but was best known for wearing the fabulous 45.52-carat Hope Diamond as seen here in her portrait. The McLeans purchased the world's largest blue diamond in 1911 from Pierre Cartier of Paris. Wagging tongues and the Hope Diamond's supposed curse did not prevent Evalyn from wearing it everywhere, including to the White House and to her favorite charity events. She actually lost it a few times — once by putting it on Mike, her Great Dane, and another time by allowing her granddaughter, daughter of Senator Robert R. Reynolds (D-NC), to teethe on it.
According to the Smithsonian Institution — where the gem is displayed — there is no truth to the curse. But the tale persists, and perhaps that is why millions from all over the world come to see it. In the end the Hope Diamond brought good luck to the Smithsonian.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Women. In addition, it is included in the DC, Art on Call series list.
Location. 38° 56.285′ N, 77° 4.465′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in McLean Gardens. Marker is at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue Northwest and Quebec Street Northwest, on the right when traveling south on Wisconsin Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3696 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Friendship Estate (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Day and the Washington Ballet (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Highlands (about 500 feet away); 3700 Quebec Street Northwest (about 500 feet away); Flower (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans and 9/11 Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rosedale (approx. 0.3 miles away); Transportation Hub (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,138 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 17, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 7, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.