Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in Georgetown
This lecture is part of two series:
Our D.C. lunchtime lecture series continues with Georgetown, a unique neighborhood that predates the establishment of the federal district and Washington City by 40 years. Founded in 1751 on 60 acres along the Potomac River in the province of Maryland, Georgetown was the farthest point upstream still navigable for oceangoing boats. After the establishment of the federal capital, Georgetown became an independent municipal government within the District of Columbia.
Georgetown is bounded by the Potomac River on the south, Rock Creek to the east, Burleith and Glover Park to the north, with Georgetown University on its west end. Much of Georgetown is surrounded by parkland and green space that serve as buffers from development in adjacent neighborhoods.
Featured Topic: Peabody Room, Georgetown Library
The Peabody Room houses the D.C. Public Library’s special collections of Georgetown neighborhood history. Established with an 1867 grant from wealthy Georgetown merchant George Peabody, the library was meant to “benefit the citizens of Georgetown and the District of Columbia.” In 1979, the Peabody Trustees turned the collection over to the library, with the proviso that it remain both intact and in Georgetown.
Presenter Jerry McCoy is the special collections librarian in the Peabody Room of the Georgetown Library.
