Folger Park

Beneath the rustling leaves of Folger Park’s majestic trees, a hidden history whispers. Folger Park, a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill, invites you to step back in time. This isn’t just any park. It’s a living testament to the ebb and flow of Washington D.C.’s vibrant past. Established in 1885, Folger Park honors Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury under President Chester A. Arthur. But its story begins long before Folger’s name graced its gates. In 1791, the land was earmarked for street rights-of-way. Andrew Ellicott, however, saw a different destiny for this space, transforming it into the verdant haven we see today. Imagine the bustle of 1871, when Providence Hospital, a beacon of hope, opened its doors just south of the park. For years, Folger Park was simply known as “The Square North of Providence Hospital.” This quiet sanctuary has always offered respite from the city’s clamor. Picture yourself strolling along the paved walkways, shaded by the canopy of 1,000 ornamental trees planted in 1884. Admire the intricate cast-iron fence, installed in 1881, its fasces design a nod to Roman symbolism. Rest on one of the unique “fountain benches,” inspired by the 1935 “Drinking Fountain and Bench” plan, and soak in the park’s serene atmosphere. Folger Park is more than just trees and benches. It’s a story etched in stone and foliage, a quiet reminder of the people and events that shaped the nation’s capital. As you leave Folger Park, carry with you the echoes of its past, a secret whispered from the heart of Capitol Hill.