The History of Black Georgetown

By Off the Mall Tours

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Overview

*Starting in February 2024, tour is offered the third Saturday of the month at 2pm.

Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area has a diverse history. Originally a busy port for the export of tobacco, it was also the site of an active slave trade, and at one point African Americans counted as 30% of the Georgetown population. Descendants of those enslaved peoples and black free folk have lived in Georgetown for generations, but their contributions to its history do not often receive the same recognition. This tour will reveal the stories of the black citizens who made their mark on one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods.

The tour starts at 3206 O Street NW DC and ends at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, at 2501 Mill Rd. NW. There is a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet Shop for a bathroom break and refreshment.

Activity location

Georgetown University
- 37th and O Sts., Washington
- Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

3050 K St NW
- 3050 K Street Northwest
- 20007, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

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Sorry this activity isn't available on Wed, 1 May

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What's included, what's not

Over 2 hours of historic information offered by an experienced guide.
Coffee and/or Tea

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Georgetown University

10m
Admission ticket not included

The gothic-style Healy Hall was built at the direction of, and named for, Georgetown University's only black President, Patrick Healy.

Pomander Walk Northwest

Pomander Walk used to be Bell's Court, owned by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell's Court was characteristic of alleyway communities throughout DC, where you had a close-knit black community.

3324 Dent Pl NW

This address was the former property of prominent black Georgetown resident Yarrow Mamout, in the early 19th century.

Thomas Sweet

The tour takes a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet for refreshment and a bathroom break.

3146 O St NW

The row houses at this address used to serve as holding pens for the enslaved. The pens were torn down by an Irish entrepreneur who had themselves spent their childhood as an indentured servant in the West Indies.

3044 P St NW (Pass by)

The house of Emma Brown, who was one of the first black teachers in DC to reach the level of Principal.

1332 29th St NW

The Mount Zion United Methodist Church is one of the oldest black congregations in Georgetown.

Rose Park

This historic park was the site of numerous political rallies and community gatherings for the black community in Georgetown.

Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries

This is the oldest cemetery in Georgetown, which contains the remains of enslaved and free black citizens.

Location

Activity location

Georgetown University
- 37th and O Sts., Washington
- Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

3050 K St NW
- 3050 K Street Northwest
- 20007, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

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