Meridian Hill History
Meridian Hill has an eclectic history, from its opulent beginnings as a castle on a hill to a strategic overlook and war encampment to a hub for civil rights and music now to a park for picnics and drum circles.
Meridian Hill is often described as a place of "cultural convergence" because of all the groups of people and history that are represented within its boundaries. The Meridian Hill Neighborhood surrounds the iconic Meridian Hill Malcolm X) Park on its western boundary, the lively 14th Street Arts District lined with restaurants, bars, galleries, theater and entertainment along with modern residential high-rises in the core of the neighborhood, residential streets lined with historic row houses, and the legendary U Street corridor on the southern boundary known for it's an unparalleled music and nightlife scene which was the home of many famous jazz venues and artists like Duke Ellington.
The Meridian Hill Neighborhood, like much of Washington, DC, continues to go through a period of growth and transition. The neighborhood is changing at a rapid pace and the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association aims to preserve elements of the past as the neighborhood grows towards the future. As the neighborhood continues to grow, it is important that the past layers of history be remembered. The articles and photos below give a glimpse of the past of the Meridian Hill Neighborhood.
History of the Meridian Hill
When President Thomas Jefferson surveyed the land in 1804, he marked it Meridian Hill since it was a mile and a half north on the White House meridian, one of four prime meridians in DC.
Building a Park on the Meridian
Meridian Hill Park under Construction. It took more than 20 years to get to this point. Mary Foote Henderson dedicated much of her time to getting the park built. Henderson died in 1931, five years before the park opened.
Meridian of American History
In the American Civil War, Meridian Hill was used an encampment, Carver Barracks, for its strategic outlook of the White House and the Potomac River.
Meridian of Civil Rights
Meridian Hill Park became a safe place for gathering in the 60’s during the civil right movement. So many rallies were held there, Angela Davis called for the park to be renamed Malcolm X Park.
Meridian of Riots and Rebuilding
While the neighborhoods in DC began to thrive, Civil Rights stalled forever changing the path of development in Shaw and Meridian Hill.
Meridian of Music and Culture
Meridian Hill Neighborhood is anchored by U Street Corridor, once called Black Broadway in the 20's, it was the height of the DC Black Renaissance.
Meridian of Architecture
DC is rich with architectural history and beauty, U Street and Meridian Hill are no different. A look at our evolving neighborhood, and the buildings still standing throughout the years.