The History of Black Georgetown
The History of Black Georgetown
*Tour is offered the last Sunday of the month at 2pm. Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area has a diverse history.
Originally a busy port for the export of tobacco, it was also the site of an active slave trade, and at one point African Americans counted as 30% of the Georgetown population. Descendants of those enslaved peoples and black free folk have lived in Georgetown for generations, but their contributions to its history do not often receive the same recognition. This tour will reveal the stories of the black citizens who made their mark on one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods.The tour starts at 3206 O Street NW DC and ends at the Mt.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Georgetown University
The gothic-style Healy Hall was built at the direction of, and named for, Georgetown University's only black President, Patrick Healy.
10 minutesPomander Walk Northwest
Pomander Walk used to be Bell's Court, owned by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell's Court was characteristic of alleyway communities throughout DC, where you had a close-knit black community.
10 minutes3324 Dent Pl NW
This address was the former property of prominent black Georgetown resident Yarrow Mamout, in the early 19th century.
10 minutesThomas Sweet
The tour takes a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet for refreshment and a bathroom break.
15 minutes3146 O St NW
The row houses at this address used to serve as holding pens for the enslaved. The pens were torn down by an Irish entrepreneur who had themselves spent their childhood as an indentured servant in the West Indies.
10 minutes3044 P St NW
The house of Emma Brown, who was one of the first black teachers in DC to reach the level of Principal.
1332 29th St NW
The Mount Zion United Methodist Church is one of the oldest black congregations in Georgetown.
10 minutesRose Park
This historic park was the site of numerous political rallies and community gatherings for the black community in Georgetown.
10 minutesMount Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries
This is the oldest cemetery in Georgetown, which contains the remains of enslaved and free black citizens.
10 minutesIncluded
- Over 2 hours of historic information offered by an experienced guide.
Not Included
- Coffee and/or Tea
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.