East of the River: Architecture of Historic Anacostia

The rolling hills east of the Anacostia River, with a commanding view of Washington D.C., have been settled for centuries. From the trading grounds of the Indigenous Nacotchtank to a whites-only suburb known as Uniontown to a predominantly Black community, Anacostia has seen dramatic change. The neighborhood has served as a home for abolitionist Frederick Douglass, part of the escape route for assassin John Wilkes Booth, protest grounds for World War I veterans, and a modern testament to the resilience of Washington’s Black community.

Join Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, for a look at the architecture of Anacostia, which encapsulates the area’s many identities. Highlights include Old Market House Square, built in 1913 and a centerpiece of the Anacostia Historic District; Rose’s Row; the 19 1/2-foot-tall Big Chair; the historic home known as Big Green; and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Know Before You Go

• Tour participants meet outside the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd., SE, and concludes near the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site at the intersection of 14th Street and W Street, SE.
• Sturdy walking shoes, bottled water, and comfortable clothes are recommended.
• The tour involves 1 mile of walking and is 2 hours in length.

Additional Date Options for this Tour

• June 20
• June 23

General Information

• Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
• Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
• For additional tour information:
• Study Tour Policies
• Refund/Cancellation Policy