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

Historic Kappa House

1708 S Street, NW

— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —

Historic Kappa House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, March 24, 2016

1. Historic Kappa House Marker

Inscription. Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity was founded at Indiana University in 1911. The ten founders determined from the start that membership would be based solely on achievement. In 1949 the fraternity's Washington Alumni Chapter worked with undergraduate chapters at Howard University and Miner Teachers College to purchase this Georgian style former residence designed by Washington architect Leon E. Dessez. "Kappa Kastle" became a popular center of social activity, activism, and philanthropy for African Americans, especially during the era of racial segregation. Members of the Washington Alumni Chapter have led the way in politics, civil rights, education, medicine, the arts, and other fields.

Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 38° 54.842′ N, 77° 2.339′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Dupont Circle. Marker is on S Street Northwest east of New Hampshire Avenue

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Northwest, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1708 S 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. At 1740 New Hampshire Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Whyland (within shouting distance of this marker); 1700 Swann Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Votes for Women (about 500 feet away); Charles Hamilton Houston Residence (about 500 feet away); Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini (about 600 feet away); Universalist National Memorial Church Stormwater Features (about 600 feet away); Embassy of the Republic of Congo (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

More about this marker.
Caption:
In 1958 past and current Washington Polemachs (leaders) posed at Kappa House. From left, standing: Dr. Samuel L. Bullock, James M. Coggs, Julian Dugas, Dr. Paul P. Cooke, Dr. W. Henry "Stud" Greene. From left, seated, C.K. Brown, Robert Thompson, George E.C. Hayes, James E. Scott, Judge Armond Scott, and Dr. Willisiton H. Lofton.
Collection of Dr. Paul P. Cooke

Also see . . . Historic Kappa House, African American Heritage Trail. (Submitted on January 17, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, March 24, 2016

2. Historic Kappa House Marker

The marker is at the lower right in this view, looking at the Kappa House in the middle of two other buildings (looking roughly west along S Street).

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 24, 2016

3. Historic Kappa House Marker

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, March 24, 2016

4. Historic Kappa House Marker

A small marker to the right of the Kappa House front door indicates that the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Plaque on the house image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 4, 2019

5. Plaque on the house

The Kappa House
1708 S Street Northwest
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior

Washington DC Alumni Chapter
ΚΑΨ Fraternity, Inc.

Photographed By Christopher Daniels, October 25, 2020

6. Historic Kappa House Marker

A section of S Street Northwest has been ceremonially renamed Kappa Alpha Psi Way.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 569 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 28, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3. submitted on July 24, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 4. submitted on March 29, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5. submitted on February 4, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 6. submitted on October 26, 2020. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.