Mahaning Heights in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
“What Magic Has Been Wrought Here”
A Self-Reliant People
— Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail —
On, May 18,1966, crowds gathered here to witness Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007) rededicate eight acres of Watts Branch Park.
“No one more than the residents of this area knows what magic has been wrought here at Watts Branch,” observed the First Lady. Hundreds of volunteers had cleared tons of garbage, replacing it with flower beds, trees, and well-manicured grass. But Lady Bird Johnson's Capital Beautification initiative didn't stop with surface beauty. She raised America's awareness of the threats from pollution, urban decay, and lack of recreational opportunities.
Despite the attention to Watts Branch, city officials ignored the blight of Kenilworth Dump, formerly located across the railroad tracks to your right. Back in 1942, when they selected the dump's location, officials simply saw it as remote from downtown. They ignored how close it was to River Terrace, Deanwood, and surrounding communities. For decades, smoke from burning garbage polluted the air and land, and toxic run-off contaminated the landscape, Watts Branch, and the Anacostia.
Still people found ways to benefit from the dump. Some adults tracked the arrival of department store trucks filled with useable goods and recycled them, often repairing them for their use or for sale. Longtime resident Thomas Childs recalled childhood adventures in the dump. “We would take our wagons and … go shopping” for parts to make go-carts. Despite continuous complaints, Kenilworth Dump was not closed until 1968, after seven-year-old Kelvin Mock died tragically in a pile of burning trash. Although illegal dumping continued into the 1990s, the reclaimed grounds now offer public recreation.
Erected 2009 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 13.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. In addition, it is included in the Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.
Location. 38° 54.105′ N, 76° 56.547′ W. Marker is in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Mahaning Heights. Marker is at the intersection of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue Northeast and Minnesota Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling east on Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4200 Deane Avenue Northeast, Washington DC 20019, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 100 Years of Afro-American History (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Designed to Compete (about 800 feet away); Eastland Gardens (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mayfair Mansions / Albert I. Cassell
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 20, 2020
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 20, 2020
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 20, 2020
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 339 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on March 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1. submitted on May 8, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on October 20, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5. submitted on May 11, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 20, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.