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

Civil War at the Southwest Waterfront

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

1. Civil War at the Southwest Waterfront Marker

Inscription. Private river commerce along the waterfront was disrupted during the Civil War when Washington became the headquarters and supply center of the Union Army. Wharves were appropriated for military purposes, and Water Street was opened and paved for military traffic. New wharves and warehouses were built along the waterfront to accommodate military shipping needs, and soldiers arrived and departed from the waterfront.

Erected by Hoffman Madison Waterfront LLC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 38° 52.741′ N, 77° 1.585′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Waterfront. It is at the intersection of District Square Southwest and Wharf Street Southwest, on the right when traveling north on District Square Southwest. Marker is on the District Pier in Southwest Washington. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 District Square Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Underground Railroad and Waterway (a few steps from this marker); Waterfront Industry and Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); African-American History in Southwest

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Navigating the Potomac River (within shouting distance of this marker); Creating the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Urban Renewal (within shouting distance of this marker); Long Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Houseboats on the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

2. Civil War at the Southwest Waterfront Marker

Union Troops in front of the Hotel at the Long Bridge image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

3. Union Troops in front of the Hotel at the Long Bridge

Birds eye view of Sixth Street Wharf, Washington, D.C.<br>c. 1863 image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

4. Birds eye view of Sixth Street Wharf, Washington, D.C.
c. 1863

“Print shows the busy wharves in southwest Washington, DC, where wounded soldiers often arrived. In the foreground, the U.S.M. paddle steamboat ‘John Brooks’ filled with Union soldiers in the foreground, soldiers standing on dock at left, and the Mount Vernon Hotel (the Thomas Law House) flying the American flag. In the background are the unfinished Washington Monument (left), the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Capitol, portrayed as if the dome were completed (right)." — Library of Congress

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 603 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 30, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.