North Cleveland Park in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Wormely Family Estate Site
3530 Van Ness Street, NW
— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —
Celebrated hotelier James Wormley (1819-1884) and his family owned at least two country houses (since razed) on ten acres here during the 1870s and 1880s. This plaque marks approximately the southeast corner of the property.
As a young man the free-born Wormley worked as a jockey, a California Gold Rush "Forty-Niner," a Mississippi river boat steward, and in other adventurous occupations around the country. After returning to Washington, he operated a catering business, lodging houses, and a restaurant. His success peaked in 1871 when he opened Wormley's Hotel at 15th and H Streets, NW, serving wealthy whites. Produce grown on the property here supplied the hotel's acclaimed kitchen.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 38° 56.585′ N, 77° 4.177′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in North Cleveland Park. Marker is on Van Ness Street Northwest west of Reno Road Northwest, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans and 9/11 Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Firehouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Science Has Its Traditions As Well As Its Frontiers (approx. ¼ mile away); The Hon. Walter Gresham Andrews (approx. ¼ mile away); Early Homes (approx. 0.3 miles away); "Music of the Spheres" (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of the National Bureau of Standards (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Highlands (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
More about this marker.
[Image caption:]
James Wormley
By Henry Ulke, Collection of the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
Also see . . . Wormley Family Estate Site, African American Heritage Trail. (Submitted on December 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 674 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
