U Street Corridor in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
You Had To Wear a Tie
City Within a City
— Greater U Street Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 20, 2022
You are standing on Washington's historic Black Broadway—the heart of African American life in Washington, D.C. from about 1900 to the 1950s. Duke Ellington, its most famous son, grew up, was inspired, trained, and played his first music here. He is but one example of the leaders in law, medicine, the military, science, and the arts who were shaped by a community that valued education and supported achievement against great odds in a segregated society. Nearby Howard University was its guiding star.
The Lincoln Theatre at mid-block across the street, now restored to its 1922 grandeur, was one of three first-run movie houses on U Street. The Lincoln Colonnade behind the theater, since demolished, was a popular setting for balls, parties and performances. All the great entertainers played clubs on or near this boulevard — Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, Sarah Vaughn, Louis Armstrong, Billy Eckstine, and Jelly Roll Morton, to name a few.
Black-owned businesses, the offices of black lawyers, doctors, and dentists; and the headquarters of black social institutions clustered along U Street. Many of them occupied buildings that were financed, designed, and built by and for African Americans — unusual at the time.
At night and on weekends, U Street was a parade ground — a place to meet friends and share what many describe as a close, small-town atmosphere. And at its core was an elegance epitomized by Duke Ellington himself. The old-timers say that U Street was so grand that, to come here, you had to wear a tie.
Erected 2009 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Greater U Street Heritage Trail, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 38° 55.015′ N, 77° 1.76′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in U Street Corridor. Marker is on U Street Northwest just east of 13th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1240 U St NW, 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. Marlon Francisco Morales (a few steps from this marker); Lincoln Theatre and Lincoln Colonnade (within shouting distance of this marker); Ben's Chili Bowl / Minnehaha Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); The True Reformer Building
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 20, 2022
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 20, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.