Capitol Hill Historic District

Capitol Hill Historic District is a historic district located in the United States Capitol area of Washington, D.C., near the National Mall and the Anacostia River. The district is home to many historic buildings, including the United States Capitol building, the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Library of Congress. It is also close to other notable landmarks, such as the National Archives, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Gallery of Art. The district is served by the Washington Metro, with several stations, including Union Station (Washington, D.C.) and Capitol South.

Geography and Boundaries

The Capitol Hill Historic District is bounded by Independence Avenue (Washington, D.C.) to the south, Constitution Avenue (Washington, D.C.) to the north, 1st Street (Washington, D.C.) to the east, and 2nd Street (Washington, D.C.) to the west. The district is situated near the Anacostia River and is close to other historic neighborhoods, such as Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) and Adams Morgan. The district is also near several parks, including the United States Botanic Garden and the National Arboretum. The National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior are responsible for managing the district's historic resources, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Historic Preservation Office of the District of Columbia.

History of the District

The Capitol Hill Historic District has a rich history, dating back to the late 18th century, when Pierre Charles L'Enfant designed the city of Washington, D.C. as the new capital of the United States. The district was originally a residential area, with many historic homes, including the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. The district was also home to many notable figures, including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. Anthony. The district played a significant role in the American Civil War, with the Battle of Fort Stevens taking place nearby, and was also a hub for the Civil Rights Movement, with the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Poor People's Campaign.

Architecture and Landmarks

The Capitol Hill Historic District is known for its historic architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century, including the United States Capitol building, designed by William Thornton, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and Charles Bulfinch. The district is also home to many other notable landmarks, such as the Supreme Court of the United States, designed by Cass Gilbert, and the Library of Congress, designed by Paul J. Pelz and John L. Smithmeyer. The district's architecture is characterized by its use of Greek Revival architecture, Italianate architecture, and Second Empire architecture, with many buildings featuring columns, domes, and cupolas. The district is also home to many historic churches, including the National Cathedral and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Preservation Efforts

The Capitol Hill Historic District has been the subject of several preservation efforts, including the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Act of 1978. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior work to preserve the district's historic resources, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Historic Preservation Office of the District of Columbia. The district is also protected by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society and the Historic Districts Council.

Points of Interest

The Capitol Hill Historic District is a popular tourist destination, with many points of interest, including the United States Capitol building, the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Library of Congress. The district is also home to many museums, including the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visitors can also tour the historic homes, including the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. The district is also close to other notable landmarks, such as the National Archives, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Gallery of Art, as well as the Kennedy Center and the National Theatre (Washington, D.C.). The district is served by the Washington Metro, with several stations, including Union Station (Washington, D.C.) and Capitol South, and is also accessible by Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) and Capital Bikeshare.

Category:Historic districts in Washington, D.C.