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

African-American History in Southwest

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

1. African-American History in Southwest Marker

Inscription. The Southwest Waterfront’s history is closely tied to African-American history. Leading up to the Civil War many people of color—those still enslaved as well as some freed individuals—lived and worked here, and some helped build the original wharves. Later, the area’s affordable housing and labor opportunities attracted thousands of newly freed slaves, and a close knit community with many rich and storied traditions developed along the waterfront neighborhood.

Erected by Hoffman Madison Waterfront LLC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 38° 52.752′ N, 77° 1.572′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Waterfront. It can be reached from the intersection of Wharf Street Southwest and District Square Southwest, on the left when traveling north. This marker is on the District Pier at Washington 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.

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: Waterfront Industry and Commerce (a few steps from this marker); Navigating the Potomac River

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(a few steps from this marker); Creating the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Underground Railroad and Waterway (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War at the Southwest 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. African-American History in Southwest Marker

Washington, D.C. Cook who works in one of the seafood restaurants in the fish market district image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John Ferrell, March 1942

3. Washington, D.C. Cook who works in one of the seafood restaurants in the fish market district

Library of Congress

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 534 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.