Anacostia/ Southeast
Where: Southeast of the Capitol and across the 11th Street bridge
What’s in a name: First incorporated in 1854 as Uniontown, Anacostia is named for a Native American settlement.
Thumbnail: DC’s first planned suburb is where abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass made his home. While the new Nationals Park and modern developments along the waterfront are often in the headlines, the neighborhood is also known for its beautiful late 19th-century architecture.
Calling cards: See one of the best views of the city from Cedar Hill, Douglass’ estate. Learn about local African-American history at the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum. See the Nationals take the field in baseball’s first “green” ballpark.
Getting there: Take Metro to the Anacostia station.
Explore the Neighborhood
From the 11th Street Bridge, which served as John Wilkes Booth's escape route on the night of the Lincoln assassination to the world's largest chair, the neighborhood encompasses some of DC's most fascinating sights-- and some of the city's best views.
Learn more about the history of Anacostia and East of the River communities at Cultural Tourism DC's East of the River neighborhood website.
To learn more about the Anacostia Historic District, click here.
