Anacostia in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rose's Row
An East-of-the-River View
— Anacostia Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2018
This block is also distinguished by the work of two locally prominent architects. Lewis W. Giles, Sr. designed the two apartment buildings at 1222 U (1933) and 1218 (1940). Across the street, George T. Santmyers contributed the Georgian style row of 1233-1255 U Street in 1925 and 1926.
Like many aging DC neighborhoods, Anacostia fell into decline in the 1960s. In response to zoning changes, between 1950 and 1970 Anacostia went from a community of mostly single-family houses to one dominated by hastily built apartments and public housing projects. Urban renewal elsewhere had pushed people with few resources into Anacostia. Schools were overcrowded, city services were strained, and crime plagued many blocks. Conditions were so bad that in 1971 neighborhood leaders filed a lawsuit claiming that discriminatory DC government policies and neglect were to blame.
Though the lawsuit was dismissed, leaders pressed on. As a consequence, the city improved public services and funded rehabilitation of historic properties. In 1978 residents arranged for designation of the Anacostia Historic District, which brought attention to the unique architecture and landscape here. Zoning laws changed in the 1990s to encourage construction of rowhouses and other smaller-scale dwellings.
Erected 2013 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 20.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Anacostia Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 38° 51.97′ N, 76° 59.235′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Anacostia. Marker is at the intersection of U Street Southeast and 13th Street Southeast, on the left when traveling west on U Street Southeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1263 U Street Southeast, Washington DC 20020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mother Churches and Their Daughters (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Neighborhood Oasis (about 500 feet away); Uniontown, DC's First Suburb (about 600 feet away); Booth's Escape (about 600
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on March 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 15, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.