“7th Street Spine” is what they call it now. But once 7th Street was the main road into Washington D.C.
Let’s talk about 7th Street. It stretches from the waterfront all the way up to Georgia Avenue. This street has seen farmers, shoppers, and a whole lot of history pass through.
Imagine farmers driving their wagons down 7th Street. They were heading to the old Center Market. This market used to be at 7th, Pennsylvania, and Indiana Avenues. Today, the Navy Memorial stands there.
Did you know 7th Street was once the heart of D.C.’s retail scene? Big department stores lined the street. People came from all over to shop here.
7th Street is actually two streets. There is a 7th Street SW and NW, and another 7th Street SE and NE. The southwest section begins near the Washington Channel. It then crosses the National Mall becoming 7th Street NW. The southeast section starts near the Navy Yard. It runs north through Capitol Hill.
Think about the hustle and bustle around 7th and F streets. Streetcars zipped around carrying shoppers. This was D.C.’s busiest shopping area.
Even today, 7th Street remains a vital corridor. The city is working to make it even better. The goal is to connect different neighborhoods. They want to draw tourists from the National Mall to Gallery Place. The “7th Street Spine” aims to create a lively, inviting space.
Consider the stretch between Pennsylvania Avenue and Mount Vernon Square. Here, you will find a bus and bicycle lane heading north. The corresponding southbound lane is on 9th Street.
Many department stores once thrived on 7th Street. There was Hecht’s, Goldenberg’s and Saks. You could also find furniture retailers. Alperstein’s Furniture was at 1015 7th Street. John Rudden’s New Furniture was at 932 7th Street.
The Gallery Place/Chinatown Task Force sees 7th Street as a key connection. It links Shaw to the Wharf. The vision is to create a mixed-use cultural district. It should be a place where people come together to collaborate and celebrate.
7th Street continues to evolve. From its beginnings as a farmer’s route to its current role as a vital city corridor, 7th Street has many stories to tell. As you explore 7th Street, remember its rich history and its bright future.