Georgetown DC History Walk Preview

1

Old Stone House

The Old Stone House in Georgetown is the oldest surviving example of Pre-Revolutionary Colonial architecture in the United States that still stands on its original foundation, and as such, represents a portal back in time to the days when the U.S. did not yet exist and the Revolutionary War was not yet fought.Part of the fun of visiting this fine old homestead is to get yourself wrapped up in the local folklore. The place is almost an urban legend. For many years, it has been contended that this place once served as the Engineering Headquarters for General George Washington. Another piece of folklore claims that the famous Suter's Tavern – frequented by the likes of George Washington and other notable residents, famed for being associated with the land deals leading to the establishment of Washington as the "Federal City" – was located here. Sadly, neither piece of this historic folklore has ever been substantiated.In 1953, the land and the home were purchased by the United States Government. The Old Stone House has been established as a museum and is now cared for by the National Park Service. It is open for visits every day, from 11 am to 7 pm, except for major holidays, such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, when it is closed. Consider this when planning your visit.

2

Martins Tavern

Established in 1933, Martin's Tavern is the oldest family-owned restaurant in Washington, D.C. Situated one block north from Wisconsin Avenue, in the heart of Georgetown, the tavern was founded by former Major League Baseball player William Gloyd "Billy" Martin. Over the years it has hosted pretty much every U.S. President, from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush.Back in the day, Martin's Tavern seemed more like a place for the older, well established, famous, and overall somewhat stodgy people. Today, this Georgetown classic, albeit seemingly unchanged for decades, appeals to the much broader crowd, and in a rather comforting way, with its dark wooden bar, oak paneling, booths, stained glass light fixtures, paintings of old-time DC and signed retro photos. Every booth within this place has its own memories, sometimes bronze plaques, and often carved initials. Booth #3 near the door is famously where, on June 24, 1953, Senator John F. Kennedy (then 36) proposed marriage to Jaqueline Lee Bouvier (aged 24) and she said yes. The young Jack Kennedy lived just two blocks away and used to come here often, on Sundays after services.

3

3260 N Street, 1951-53 - JFK Home

JFK rented this home while running for senate, and met Jacqueline Bouvier at a dinner party.

4

3307 N Street, 1957-61 - JFK Home

John and Jackie lived here during the 1960 presidential campaign; Kennedy went to his inauguration from this home in January 1961.

5

The Exorcist Stairs

For The Exorcist, the steps were padded with half-inch-thick rubber to film the death of the character Father Damien Karras. Because the house from which Karras falls was set back slightly from the steps, the film crew constructed an extension with a false front to the house in order to film the scene.[2] The stuntman tumbled down the stairs twice. Georgetown University students charged people around $5 each to watch the stunt from the rooftops.

6

Holy Trinity Church, 3513 N Street

The Kennedys often worshipped here throughout their tenure in Georgetown.

7

1400 34th Street, 1949-51 - JFK Childhood Home

John shared this home with his sister, Eunice Kennedy, before she married Sargent Shriver.

8

3271 P Street, 1953 - JFK Home

Wedding plans were made here after John proposed to Jackie.

9

Georgetown Lutheran Church

The Georgetown Lutheran Church is one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in the United States, and is the oldest Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C. You would have to travel a long way to a place like the Holy Trinity Church in Delaware to find much more history for the followers of Martin Luther.The church was built in 1769. The original German immigrants that founded it came to the Potomac Valley to become farmers, and were enticed to settle here by offers of inexpensive land (made possible by Lord Baltimore).The congregation itself was served for many years by itinerate preachers of the German Lutheran Church. The group officially formed into a church in 1766. Colonel Charles Beatty donated the land for the first building. The church was erected at the corner of Fourth and High Street, with its cornerstone laid in 1769.Despite four revisions that this church had gone through over the centuries, it managed to retain a great deal of history to it, which is well worth seeing. The old bell from the church, which was given away in the 1870s, now sits in the front yard after being salvaged from a junk yard in 1937.

10

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Tudor Place is a mansion in Washington, D.C. that was originally the home of Thomas Peter and his wife, Martha Parke Custis Peter, the step-granddaughter of George Washington, who left her in his will $8,000 with which this property was purchased in 1805. Located at 1644 31st Street, N.W., the mansion was well worth it, comprising one city block on the crest of Georgetown Heights and affording an excellent view of the Potomac River. The gardens and the historic house museum's collections are as rich and interesting as the home itself.A focal point of Tudor Place is the collection of over 100 objects that belonged to George and Martha Washington. Enriched by 180 years of Peter family ownership, both the home and the gardens offer a rare glimpse into the American cultural and social history. In 1960, the place was declared a National Historic Landmark, and is now open to the public.

11

Dumbarton Oaks Museum

Sitting at the highest point in the historic Georgetown neighborhood, Dumbarton Oaks is a must see location in Washington, D.C. This 53-acre estate is the legacy of Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred, philanthropists and collectors of art.In 1920, after a long and careful search, the couple purchased an old-fashioned Federal-style country house then standing in rather neglected grounds. In 1929 they added a Music Room, and some years later, built a wing to accommodate their famous Byzantine art collection. Another wing was added to hold Mr. Bliss’s collection of Pre-Columbian art.In 1921, the Blisses hired renowned landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand to create an English garden to surround the whole property. Working in close collaboration for almost thirty years, Mildred Bliss and Beatrix Farrand had planned every garden detail, each terrace, bench, urn, and border, and eventually produced a beautiful oasis within the city.In 1940, the upper sixteen acres were transferred to Harvard University to establish a research institute for Byzantine studies, Pre-Columbian studies, and studies in the history of gardens and landscape architecture. Around the same time, there was also a Garden Library added to accommodate Mrs. Bliss’s collection of rare books on the history of gardens.Today, the entire estate is run by the Trustees of Harvard University. Its art collection has been on a long term loan to the National Gallery of Art.

12

Sarah Rittenhouse Armillary Sphere

The memorial to Sarah Louise Rittenhouse (1845-1943) is an armillary sphere on a marble pedestal. She is considered the founder of Montrose Park in Georgetown and is given credit for saving the park area from a housing development planned in the early 1900's. This memorial was a gift from the Georgetown Garden Club and was dedicated in 1956.

13

Oak Hill Cemetery

Established by an Act of Congress in 1848, Oak Hill Cemetery is a 22 acre historic graveyard, botanical garden, and mausoleum. It is also home to the famous Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel. Collectively, this site, in use since 1849, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The cemetery was founded by W.W. Corcoran who was a banker, philanthropist, and businessman. Corcoran founded the Riggs National Bank and was an instrumental part in keeping the U.S. financially solvent during the Mexican War.Mr. Corcoran purchased land for the cemetery from George Corbin Washington and Lewis W. Washington (both related to the first President.) Over the years, the beautiful pieces of architecture, both the buildings and grounds, were put into place courtesy of architects George F. de la Roche and James Renwick Jr (of Smithsonian fame).The styling of the cemetery resembles that of some of the best English gardens, Gothic chapels, and 19th century Romantic Art. But perhaps the biggest draw of this cemetery is the Civil War burial sites situated within, the most notable to be found in Washington, D.C. The maps of the plots are there to help to appreciate better the historic value of this 19th century cemetery.

14

2808 P Street, 1957v - JFK

After releasing his book, Profiles in Courage, JFK developed his presidential campaign from this residence.

15

3017 N Street, 1964

This house is the final Kennedy home in Georgetown. Security issues forced Jackie to leave after her husband’s death.

16

3038 N Street, 1963

This 14-room mansion is where Mrs. Kennedy mourned after the president’s assassination.