Columbia Heights in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Fedora

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

1. The Fedora Marker

Inscription. In 1920, Washington D. C. was home to the largest African American Community in the country. Numerous venues in the U Street area showcased prominent musicians and politicians of the day. On this site stood the Pitts Motel and its Red Carpet Lounge. "The Pitts" was a favorite of many greats of the era, including Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, and hosted speakers such as Martin Luther King Jr. Now stands the Fedora so named for Mrs. Fedora Day Purcell, Grandmother of the last owner of the Pitts.

Erected 2006 by The Buzzuto Group.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 38° 55.232′ N, 77° 2.035′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Columbia Heights. Marker is on Belmont Street Northwest east of 15th Street Northwest, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1451 Belmont Street Northwest, Washington DC 20009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pitts Motor Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Buchanan (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); College Hill (about 500 feet away);

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Jeanne d'Arc (about 500 feet away); Mary Ann Shadd Cary Residence (about 500 feet away); Mary Ann Shadd Cary House (about 500 feet away); An American Meridian (about 600 feet away); Meridian Hill Park (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

2. The Fedora Marker

Duke Ellington image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

3. Duke Ellington

Ella Fitzgerald image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

4. Ella Fitzgerald

Martin Luther King Jr. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

5. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Fedora 1451 Belmont image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

6. The Fedora 1451 Belmont

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

7. The Fedora

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 776 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.