“A garden fit for an aristocrat, open to the public” is a phrase that perfectly describes Meridian Hill Park. The park sits in Northwest D.C. near the border of Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights. But first, a little history.
In 1819, John Porter built a mansion here. He named it Meridian Hill. This was because it was on the exact longitude of the original D.C. milestone marker. Later, former President John Quincy Adams moved into the mansion in 1829. During the Civil War, Union troops camped here.
The U.S. government bought the land in 1910. Landscape architects George Burnap and Horace Peaslee designed an Italian-style garden. A key feature was revolutionary use of concrete aggregate as a building material. The park was established by an Act of Congress on June 25, 1910. Construction began in 1912 and the grounds were dedicated in 1936.
Meridian Hill Park covers 12 acres. It is bordered by 15th, 16th, W, and Euclid streets NW. The park sits on a hill 1.5 miles north of the White House. Some people call it Malcolm X Park since 1969.
The lower plaza of Meridian Hill Park has several notable features. The thirteen-basin cascading fountain is one of the longest in North America. Below it, there is a reflecting pool. You’ll also find the James Buchanan Memorial and a Dante statue here.
The Noyes Armillary Sphere was a prominent feature. Sadly, it disappeared after being damaged in the 1960s. But don’t worry, a replica was installed in November 2024.
The upper-level plaza features the Joan of Arc Statue. Interestingly, it’s the only equestrian statue of a woman in D.C.. You can also see the Serenity statue there.
Meridian Hill Park has a unique history and design. It once served as a laboratory for experimenting with concrete aggregate. This material consists of small pebbles selected for size and color. The texture is exposed through wire brushing and acid washing.
The park is open from 5 am to midnight from May through October. From November through April, it closes earlier at 9 pm.
Meridian Hill Park has accessible paths on the lower level. These start at the corner of 16th St. NW and Florida Ave. NW/W St. NW. They continue east to the plaza at the President James Buchanan Memorial. The upper-level paths are made of aggregate concrete. Be aware they can be bumpy.
In 1994, the park was designated a National Historic Landmark. This recognizes it as an outstanding example of early 20th-century Neoclassical park design. Today, it is maintained as part of Rock Creek Park.
The cascading fountain is currently off for repairs, and the reflecting pool is drained. But the National Park Service is dedicated to restoring these historic features.
Meridian Hill Park offers a blend of history, art, and nature. The park reflects a vision of a space for everyone. From its origins as a private estate to its current status as a public park, it continues to be a landmark in Washington, D.C..