Columbia Heights in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Gathering Place for Washingtonians
Rock Creek Park
| — | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | — |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 26, 2026
1. A Gathering Place for Washingtonians Marker
Since Meridian Hill Park opened in 1936, Washingtonians from the diverse neighborhoods surrounding the park have gathered here for arts performances, community events and political protests.
When tens of thousands of people flocked to Washington, D.C., in the 1930s and 40s for federal jobs created by the New Deal and World War II, government agencies created a free "Starlight" concert series in the park. From 1941 to 1944, Washingtonians lined the cascades and reflecting pool on summer evenings to hear classical and popular music, including a performance by the Von Trapp Family Singers.
During the Civil Rights Movement, the park was the site of numerous protests, such as a September 22, 1963, march organized by the Congress of Racial Equality to remember the children who died in the Birmingham Alabama, church bombing and violence that followed.
When Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated in April 1968, Washington, D.C. erupted in riots. The 14th street business corridor north and east of the park and the U street corridor south of the park were devastated. To help heal and unify the city, city leaders created
this page online
In 1970, civil rights activist Angela Davis christened the park "Malcolm X Park." Locals embraced the name change, and a bill was introduced in Congress in 1970 to make it official. However, because Meridian Hill Park contains a memorial to President James Buchanan, it cannot legally be named for anyone else. Many Washingtonians still call the space Malcolm X Park.
[Captions:]
Concerts, dance recitals, and plays were held in the park throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the park was the site of numerous protests, such as this march at right on September 22, 1963, organized by the Congress of Racial Equality. The march was called to remember the children who died in the church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, and the violence that followed.
Erected 2026 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 26, 2026
2. James Buchanan and A Gathering Place for Washingtonians Markers
Location. 38° 55.175′ N, 77° 2.174′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Columbia Heights. It is at the intersection of 16th Street Northwest and W Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north on 16th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20009, 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 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: James Buchanan (here, next to this marker); Meridian Hill Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Mrs. Henderson's Legacy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Buchanan (about 400 feet away); Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park (about 400 feet away); Jeanne d'Arc (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Meridian Hill Park (about 500 feet away); In Honor of Bobo (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Other markers no longer nearby. A Gathering Place for Washingtonians (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named James Buchanan (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Additional keywords. CORE
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
