Although Washington D.C. dates back only to 1790, it has within its boundaries  a town that goes back to 1751. Georgetown was established in the  British colony of the Province of Maryland at the furthest point up the Potomac River that was navigable for  ocean going ships. Tobacco exports and the slave trade helped the port of Georgetown to grow.   When Maryland and Virginia ceded the land to build Washington D.C., Georgetown found itself within the boundaries of the capital. It remained a separate town until 1871 when it was assimilated into the city of Washington. Today, Georgetown is a bustling suburb full of historic buildings, shops and restaurants. If you want a change from the monumental architecture of other parts of D.C., Georgetown is a must.

Old Stone House

The oldest building standing in Washington D.C. was built only 14 years after Georgetown was founded. The Old Stone House was built in Bridge Street (now M Street) in 1765 by Christopher Layman, a cabinetmaker by trade. It was to be his residence and shop, but he died shortly after it was completed. The house was bought by Cassandra Chew who added the wing at the rear in 1767. It continued to be used as a residence and shop until 1953 when it was purchased by the by the U.S. Government, who removed 19th and 20th century changes to the house. The Old Stone House now has a gift shop at the front and the rest of the house is open to the public every afternoon. The cost? Visiting the Old Stone House is free! Click Tab 2 to see the Dining Room of the Stone House.

Former Kennedy House, 3307 N Street

During his days as a Senator for Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie lived in seven different houses in Georgetown. The last house that they shared in Georgetown was at 3307 N Street. JFK bought the house as a gift to Jackie shortly after she gave birth to their first daughter Caroline in 1957. The family lived there through his  campaign for the Presidency and after winning the election JFK gave several press conferences on the front steps of the house. When he was inaugurated as President in January 1961 the family moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, otherwise known as the White House. After JFK was assassinated, Jackie Kennedy moved back to Georgetown for a year, living in the Thomas Beall House at 3017 N Street.

Georgetown

Click on Minimap to navigate

Home > US States > Midatlantic USA > Washington DC >

Dean & DeLuca Market, M Street

Georgetown is not just about history, there are plenty of good places to shop and eat. Dean & DeLuca is a chain founded in New York’s SoHo  back in 1977.  Joel Dean and Giorgio DeLuca wanted to bring artisan-produced foods from around the world to their customers. Their market style formula was successful and they now have stores across the USA as well as the Middle East, Japan and Taiwan.

DLU100618

Dumbarton Oaks Library

Look into the history of a Georgetown mansion, and you are likely to find that a notable politician once lived there. In the case of the Federal-style mansion Dumbarton Oaks it was  John C. Calhoun, U.S. Vice President between 1825 and 1832. Robert Bliss  and his wife purchased the mansion in  1920 to settle there after a long spell in diplomatic service overseas. They built up a large collection of books and artefacts. In 1940 they gave the property and their collection to Harvard University. In 1944, an international conference held at Dumbarton Oaks paved the way for the creation of the United Nations. Dumbarton Oaks Library is still run by the university, the gardens and mansion are open to the public on most afternoons.

Washington Harbor & Potomac River

Washington Harbor can be summed up in a few words - restaurants, luxury condominiums and offices. Here you can dine with views of the Potomac River possibly also the infamous Watergate Building. You can also take sightseeing cruises from here to view the great monuments of D.C.  from the river.

Cox's Row, 3327 to 3339 N Street

A short distance along N Street from the former house of John & Jackie Kennedy is Cox’s Row, a group of five Federal style townhouses. They were built in 1817 by Colonel John Cox, a merchant and the first elected mayor of Georgetown. Cox lived at no. 3339 while Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette stayed at no. 3337 on a visit in 1824.

Boat on Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

Georgetown is the end of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, a 300 kilometre (184 mile) canal built parallel to the Potomac River from Cumberland in Maryland. It operated from 1831 primarily carrying coal from the Allegheny Mountains. It closed in 1924 due to flood damage. The bed of the canal has been designated a National Historical Park and a stretch from Georgetown remains operational. Here you can take a trip in a canal boat drawn by mules with Park Rangers in historical dress.

To move forwards or backwards through the Washington DC  trail click the arrows above, or select your next destination on the Minimap.

© Mike  Elsden 1981 - 2023

The contents of this page may not be reproduced in full or in part without permission