Once upon a time Petworth was a sprawling 205-acre estate. It belonged to John Tayloe III a wealthy man. He named it after the town of Petworth in England. He kept horses there. They raced at the Washington Jockey Club. Tayloe founded that club with Charles Carnan Ridgely.
Petworth’s story isn’t just about horses and wealthy landowners. It’s a tale of transformation. After Tayloe’s death his heirs sold the estate in 1887. Developers snapped it up for $107000. They subdivided the land. They added the Marshal Brown estate too. The result? A much larger 387-acre Petworth. More land deals followed. West Petworth emerged. This included the Ruppert Farm and other properties.
The early 1900s brought significant change. A streetcar line expanded along Georgia Avenue. This made Petworth more accessible. Thousands of brick row houses appeared. Builders like Morris Cafritz and D J Dunigan Company constructed many of them. Dunigan generously donated land. This land became the site of St Gabriel’s Church and School. It’s located next to Grant Circle.
Petworth’s character has always been shaped by its people. Its demographics have shifted over time. In 1990 the neighborhood had a large Black population. Over time however the area became more diverse. This diversity is reflected in the vibrant cultural scene.
Petworth offers so much to explore. Visit the Petworth Neighborhood Library. It opened in 1939. Browse its Spanish language collection. Or explore the area’s many schools. There are traditional public schools and charter schools like Breakthrough Montessori.
Petworth’s commercial corridor has also flourished. Upshur Street and Georgia Avenue boast diverse restaurants and shops. The Upshur Street Art and Craft Fair is a highlight. So is the Petworth Community Market. The Petworth Jazz Project brings live music to the area too.
Petworth has many landmarks. You’ll find public art like the mural SHOWOFF. Visit the Adams Memorial in Rock Creek Cemetery. Explore Lincoln Cottage where President Lincoln spent time. Enjoy a meal at Billy Simpson’s House of Seafood and Steaks. Petworth is a place where history and contemporary life blend. It’s a neighborhood with a rich past and a bright future.