“Nacotchtank,” meaning “town of traders,” was once the name of the tribal land where Hillcrest Park now resides. Today, we find ourselves at Hillcrest Park in southeast Washington D.C. This park is more than just a green space. It is a place with a rich history.
Hillcrest Park sits in a neighborhood with a unique story. The area, including the park, rests 300 feet above sea level. This makes it higher than much of the District.
Originally, the land belonged to the Piscataway people. They were an agrarian group of the Algonquian-speaking people. The English colonists referred to them as the Nacotchtank. These people were known for trading beans, squash, maize, and wild game.
The arrival of English colonists led to a decline in the Nacotchtank-Piscataway population. Conflicts arose, and diseases like smallpox devastated the native people. Colonists wanted land for tobacco plantations.
Later, the area remained rural until the 1900s. Hillcrest’s distance from the Capitol made it less accessible. Many original residents were members of Congress and white elites. Colonel Arthur E. Randle, the developer of Hillcrest, built a grand house. It was nicknamed “The Southeast White House.” He wanted to encourage others to build lavish homes along Pennsylvania Avenue.
Streetcars in the early 1900s spurred the construction of single-family homes. These homes were for elite and middle-class white families.
After 1948, the Shelley v. Kramer Supreme Court decision changed things. It outlawed racially restrictive housing covenants. Hillcrest became accessible to middle-to-upper-class African Americans. Black families moved from crowded areas to more spacious and affordable homes.
From 1960 to 1980, the number of African Americans in Hillcrest grew. Many white residents left, especially after the 1968 uprisings. By 1970, only 35% of Hillcrest’s white population remained. Black professionals, like future Mayor Marion Barry, moved into the neighborhood.
Hillcrest became known as the “Silver Coast.” This nickname reflected its charm. It was similar to Crestwood’s “Golden Coast,” which was known for its Black professionals.
Today, Hillcrest remains a more affordable option for families in the District. Its key selling point is its proximity to the Capitol. It offers a less dense environment.
The Hillcrest Recreation Center is a focal point in the community. It hosts activities for all ages. The center includes an arts and crafts room and a gymnasium. There is also a community garden.
However, Hillcrest’s history includes moments of discrimination. In 1961, Mrs. Euphemia L. Haynes, a Black educator, was disinvited to speak at the Pre-School Parents Club because of her race. Despite this, members of the club voted to keep speakers as scheduled, regardless of race.
So, as you enjoy Hillcrest Park, remember its past. It is a place of transition, resilience, and community. It started as Nacotchtank tribal land. It became a suburban neighborhood. Today, it is a vibrant part of Washington D.C.