Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights
Name	Columbia Heights
Settlement type	Neighborhood
Coordinates	38.9283, -77.0267
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Maryland
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Prince George's County
Timezone	Eastern Time Zone
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	Eastern Daylight Time
Utc offset DST	-4

Columbia Heights is a neighborhood located in Prince George's County, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., and is home to notable residents such as Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Joe Biden, who have been known to visit nearby National Mall, United States Capitol, and Supreme Court of the United States. The neighborhood is situated near the University of Maryland, College Park, Gallaudet University, and Howard University, making it a hub for National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and National Academy of Sciences researchers. Columbia Heights is also close to the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institution, and National Gallery of Art, which host various events and exhibitions, including the Kennedy Center Honors and Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Geography

Columbia Heights is bounded by 16th Street Northwest, Georgia Avenue Northwest, and New Hampshire Avenue Northwest, and is situated near the Anacostia River and Potomac River. The neighborhood is close to Rock Creek Park, National Zoo, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, which are managed by the National Park Service. Columbia Heights is also near the United States Naval Observatory, Fort McNair, and Bolling Air Force Base, which are operated by the United States Navy, United States Army, and United States Air Force. The neighborhood's geography is influenced by the Piedmont Plateau and the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which are characterized by the Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula.

History

The history of Columbia Heights dates back to the 18th century, when it was part of the District of Columbia and was home to notable figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt, who owned estates in the area, including Mount Vernon and Monticello. The neighborhood was also a major hub for the Underground Railroad, with notable abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth operating in the area. Columbia Heights was also home to the Columbia Heights Streetcar, which connected the neighborhood to Downtown Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Trolley Museum. The neighborhood's history is also tied to the American Civil War, with nearby Fort Stevens and Battle of Fort Stevens playing a significant role in the War of 1812 and the American Civil War.

Demographics

The demographics of Columbia Heights are diverse, with a mix of African American, Hispanic and Latino American, Asian American, and White American residents, including notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who have lived or worked in the area. The neighborhood is also home to a large LGBTQ+ community, with nearby Dupont Circle and Logan Circle hosting various Pride parades and events. Columbia Heights is also close to the Embassy of the United States in Mexico, Embassy of the United States in China, and Embassy of the United States in Japan, which are operated by the United States Department of State. The neighborhood's demographics are influenced by the nearby University of the District of Columbia, Gallaudet University, and American University, which attract students from around the world, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Economy

The economy of Columbia Heights is driven by the Federal government of the United States, with nearby Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, and Central Intelligence Agency employing thousands of residents, including notable figures such as James Comey, Robert Mueller, and John Brennan. The neighborhood is also home to a thriving small business community, with many restaurants, bars, and shops along 14th Street Northwest and U Street Corridor, which are popular with residents and visitors from nearby Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and Shaw. Columbia Heights is also close to the Washington Convention Center, National Building Museum, and Smithsonian American Art Museum, which host various events and exhibitions, including the Washington Auto Show and Smithsonian Craft Show.

Culture

The culture of Columbia Heights is vibrant, with a mix of art galleries, theaters, and music venues, including the Kennedy Center, National Theatre, and 9:30 Club, which host performances by notable artists such as Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Lady Gaga. The neighborhood is also home to the Columbia Heights Farmers Market, which features local produce and crafts from nearby Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Columbia Heights is also close to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, and National Museum of Women in the Arts, which showcase the art and culture of diverse communities, including the African diaspora, Native American, and feminist art.

Transportation

The transportation options in Columbia Heights are extensive, with nearby Washington Metro stations, including Columbia Heights station and Shaw–Howard University station, which connect the neighborhood to Downtown Washington, D.C., Arlington, Virginia, and Montgomery County, Maryland. The neighborhood is also served by the Metropolitan Branch Trail, which connects to the Capital Crescent Trail and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, and is popular with residents and visitors from nearby Silver Spring, Maryland, Takoma Park, Maryland, and Hyattsville, Maryland. Columbia Heights is also close to the Reagan National Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport, which are operated by the Federal Aviation Administration and offer flights to destinations around the world, including New York City, Los Angeles, and London.

Category:Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.