Southwest DC History

Southwest Washington, DC has a rich history that dates back to the early settlement of our Nation's Capital. It was first settled in the late 17th century, and was included in the original city design by Pierre L'Enfant. Wheat Row, still housing Southwest residents today, was built in 1793 and is Washington's oldest block of townhouses. Fort McNair, one of the nation's oldest military posts, was established in 1794.

Historical Map of SW and Potomac River In 1815 the Washington City Canal was built, cutting the neighborhood off from the rest of the city -- known as the" Little Island". Because of this early isolation, Southwest became a less fashionable place to live, and was soon home to a diverse population of low-income newcomers with ties to the waterfront. From the mid-1800s through the turn of the century, this community offered shelter for freed slaves as well as for European immigrants. For decades, African Americans, Italian immigrants, Eastern European Jews, and others lived and worked side by side in this poor thriving neighborhood, rich in cultural traditions and with strong community ties.

Some historians and residents consider the years between 1895 and 1930 to have been Southwest's "golden years." In 1905, the population peaked at about 35,000. By 1920, conditions had declined, and by the 1940s, the neighborhood was perceived as a slum. In the 1950s-60s, an era of urban renewal, redeveloped Southwest DC with wide new streets, superblocks of modern structures, and broad open spaces. Businesses, residents, and community landmarks were relocated or eliminated.

WALKING TOUR OF OLD SOUTHWEST, D.C., MAY 21, 2006 by Larry Rosen

Sometime ago, I was asked by Rabbis Herzfeld and Pollak of my synagogue, Ohev Sholom – The National Synagogue to lead a walking tour in portions of Southwest D.C. The Rabbis knew that I had grown up in SW and attended Congregation Talmud Torah, our original place of worship that later merged with another synagogue, and finally after some moves built the present synagogue at 16th and Jonquil Street, N.W.

With help from the Jewish Historical Society, Martin Luther King Library, DC Historical Society, DC Historians Jane Levey, and Carole Kolker, SW Neighborhood Assembly representatives Perry Klein and Ron McBee, Minister Brian Hamilton, Carolyn Crouch of Washington Walks, I was able to assemble data and photographs that enabled me to relate my memories of people and places who lived and worked in SW during the 30’s and parts of the 40’s.
I am happy to report that our tour was a success with approximately 50 to 75 people joining our walk.

Did you know there is a new self-guided Southwest Heritage Trail?

Pick Up Your Free Trail Booklet at:

Visitor Information Center, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washingtoniana Division, Martin Luther King Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW
Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place, SW at K Street, SW
Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, SW
Washington Marina, 1300 Maine Avenue, SW
Odyssey, 600 Water Street, SW

Page last updated: June 26, 2006