Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington, DC It stretches along wide avenues east of the United States Capitol . It is one of the oldest residential areas in Washington and one of the most densely populated with around 35,000 residents in just under two square miles . The main commercial street in Capitol Hill is Pennsylvania Avenue , a lively street with shops, restaurants, and bars.
history
When Pierre L'Enfant began to develop his plan for the new federal capital in 1791, he decided to build the future congress building ("Congress House") on the top of the hill, with a view of the city - a place called L'Enfant described as a “pedestal” “waiting for a monument”. L'Enfant referred to that hill as "Jenkins Hill" or "Jenkins Heights"; the land had long been owned by the Carroll family and was listed on their title deeds as "New Troy".
What is now called Capitol Hill, the residential area began to develop when work began on the Capitol and the Washington Navy Yard . As one of the first neighborhoods, Capitol Hill received electricity and water lines in the 1890s. Born in Capitol Hill a. John Philip Sousa (whose birthplace is still on F Street) and J. Edgar Hoover . The former home of Frederick Douglass is located on the 300 block on A Street Northeast.
Web links
- Capitol Hill Historic District
- Capitol Hill at Cultural Tourism DC
- Capitol Hill Restoration Society
- Pictures from the Capitol
Coordinates: 38 ° 52 ′ 57.6 " N , 76 ° 59 ′ 50.7" W.