Logan Circle in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Automobile Row
A Fitting Tribute
— Logan Circle Heritage Trail —
Etched into the corner of the building next to this sign are the names of cars and trucks sold here back when showrooms lined this stretch of 14th Street. Hurley Motor Company, which opened here in 1920, sold Milwaukee-made Nash cars and trucks. Trew Motor Co. (now Studio Theatre's main building) opened the same year to sell Peerless and REO cars.
Horse-drawn streetcars began running along 14th Street from New York Avenue to Boundary Street (Florida Avenue) in 1862, making a major transportation corridor that attracted residential development. In the early 1900s, when automobiles became affordable, showrooms clustered here. In 1925 some 40 car-related businesses operated on 14th Street between Thomas Circle and R Street. But as the DC suburbs exploded in the 1950s, most dealerships followed their customers out of town.
As you continue to Sign 4, you'll pass John Wesley AME Zion Church, a DC Historic Landmark at 14th and Corcoran Streets. Organized in 1847, the church purchased the St. Andrews Episcopal Church building in 1913. Fifty years later, after civil rights activist Medgar Evers was murdered in Jackson, Mississippi, his body lay in state here as 25,000 people filed through to pay him tribute. Evers, a decorated World War II veteran, was buried at Arlington Cemetery. At 14th and Q note the former Berret School, built in 1889. It was named for James G. Berret, DC elected mayor from 1858 until the outbreak of the Civil War. As a Confederate sympathizer, he refused to swear allegiance to the Union. He was forced then from office and briefly imprisoned.
Erected 2012 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church, and the Logan Circle Heritage Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 38° 54.626′ N, 77° 1.925′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Logan Circle. Marker is at the intersection of 14th Street Northwest and Church Street Northwest, on the left when traveling north on 14th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1522 14th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Treading the Boards (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); When Logan Rode The Battle Line (about 500 feet away); No Braver Man Than John Logan (about 500 feet away); John Logan House (about 500 feet away);
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2017
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on December 2, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1. submitted on December 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 2, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on December 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.