Did you know that Capitol Hill wasn’t always called Capitol Hill? It was once known as Jenkins Hill. Capitol Hill stands as a vibrant neighborhood in Washington D.C. Its history is rich and its significance undeniable.
Let’s dive into the story of Capitol Hill. Pierre Charles L’Enfant chose this location in 1791 for the United States Capitol. He envisioned it as the symbolic center of his plan for the federal capital city. L’Enfant initially referred to it as Jenkins Hill.
However, the land had belonged to the Carroll family. They noted it in their records as Rome. Thomas Jefferson later named it Capitol Hill in 1793. He was inspired by the Capitoline Hill in Rome. The connection between the two hills remains somewhat unclear.
The neighborhood of Capitol Hill began to grow. This started when the government started building the Capitol and the Washington Navy Yard. It transformed into a distinct community between 1799 and 1810. The federal government became a major employer. Initially, it was a boarding house community. Congressmen preferred living close to the Capitol.
In 1799, the Washington Navy Yard was established. It provided jobs for craftsmen. These craftsmen built and repaired ships. Many lived near both the Navy Yard and the Capitol. They formed the original residential population.
By 1810, Capitol Hill flourished. Shops, goldsmiths, blacksmiths and churches thrived. The Civil War brought more construction to the area including hospitals. New houses continued to appear in the 1870s and 1880s. The neighborhood began to divide along racial and economic lines.
The 1890s brought modern conveniences. Electricity, piped water and plumbing arrived. Capitol Hill was among the first neighborhoods to have these amenities. This led to a real estate boom between 1890 and 1910.
In 1976, the Capitol Hill Historic District was recognized. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as one of the largest historic districts in the United States. Its boundaries extend irregularly. They stretch from F Street NE to 14th Street and South Capitol Street. The area includes buildings from 1800 to 1919. Most buildings are late Victorian.
Capitol Hill has maintained a middle-class character. It faced economic decline and rising crime in the mid-20th century. It gradually recovered. Gentrification intensified in the 1990s.
Capitol Hill boasts numerous landmarks. These include the U.S. Capitol, Senate and House office buildings, and the Supreme Court. The Library of Congress, Marine Barracks, and Washington Navy Yard are also significant. The Congressional Cemetery is part of the Capitol Complex too.
The Folger Shakespeare Library is another gem. It houses the world’s largest collection of Shakespearean material. Capitol Hill is largely residential. It features rowhouses of various styles. You’ll find manor houses, Federal townhouses, and ornate Italianate houses.
Pennsylvania Avenue serves as the main retail corridor. It is a lively street with shops and restaurants. Eastern Market, established in 1873, is a public market on 7th Street SE. Barracks Row on 8th Street SE is one of the city’s oldest commercial areas. Hill Center, in the restored Old Naval Hospital, is a vibrant community center.
Capitol Hill also offers parks. Lincoln Park lies east of the U.S. Capitol. Stanton Park sits at the intersection of Maryland and Massachusetts Avenues.
From Jenkins Hill to Capitol Hill, this neighborhood has evolved. It remains a vital center of government and community. Its story is etched in every building. It is visible in every street. Take a moment to appreciate the history and significance of Capitol Hill.