Sheperd Point

A hawk circles high above Sheperd Point, mirroring the sweeping views offered from this vantage point. Sheperd Point, named after Alexander Robey Shepherd, a prominent figure in Washington D.C.’s history, isn’t just a place to admire the cityscape. It’s a place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the vibrant present. Originally called Sixteenth Street Heights, part of this area was renamed Shepherd Park in 1926 to honor its most famous resident. Developer L.E. Breuninger, envisioning a new residential haven, chose this name as he unveiled his model home at 7707 13th St., NW, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the neighborhood. Shepherd, governor of the District of Columbia from 1873 to 1874, had deep roots in this area. Years before his governorship, he built his grand Victorian mansion, “Bleak House,” near the corner of present-day Floral and 14th Street. He was drawn to the elevation and the close proximity to the natural beauty of Rock Creek. The name “Bleak House” was inspired by the Dickens novel he and his wife were reading at the time. While the mansion was demolished in 1916, a remnant of its grandeur persists. The original carriage house still stands tucked away in the alley off of Floral Street. Shepherd’s impact extends beyond his residence. His passion for greenery, stemming from owning a plant nursery, led to the planting of 60,000 trees in the District. This green legacy can still be seen in the variety of wildflowers and the flower-themed street names that grace Shepherd Park today. Looking out from Sheperd Point, you can almost picture Shepherd surveying his beloved city. He envisioned a thriving community, a vision that continues to resonate today. The streets, once dirt paths, are now paved, lined with a mix of architectural styles, reflecting the passage of time. From Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival houses to mid-century ramblers, each home holds its own stories.