The History of Black Georgetown

Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area has a diverse history. Originally a busy port for the

Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area has a diverse history. Originally a busy port for the export of tobacco, it was also the site of an active slave trade, and at one point African Americans counted as 30% of the Georgetown population. Descendants of those enslaved peoples and black free folk have lived in Georgetown for generations, but their contributions to its history do not often receive the same recognition. This tour will reveal the stories of the black citizens who made their mark on one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods. The tour starts at 3206 O Street NW DC and ends at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, at 2501 Mill Rd. NW. There is a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet Shop for a bathroom break and refreshment.

From: $0.00

Location: Washington DC

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there a specific age limit for this tour? My kids are 10 and 12.

A: There's no specific age limit for this tour! It's designed to be family-friendly, so your kids should enjoy it. Just keep in mind that some of the historical topics might be heavy, so it might be good to chat with them about it beforehand. The guide is really engaging, so they usually keep everyone's attention.

Q: What happens if it rains? Is the tour still on?

A: Generally, the tour goes on rain or shine! They recommend dressing appropriately for the weather, and some guests have found umbrellas helpful. However, if the weather is severe, they might reschedule. If you're worried, I'd suggest checking with Off the Mall Tours the day before.

Q: Where exactly does the tour start and end? Is parking easy?

A: The tour kicks off at 3206 O Street NW, and it wraps up at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Street parking can be tricky in Georgetown, especially on weekends, so I'd recommend using public transport if you can. The nearest metro station is Foggy Bottom, and then you can take a short bus or bike ride over. Also, there's usually a parking lot near the cemetery that’s not too hard to find!

Discussions

Just did the History of Black Georgetown tour! So eye-opening!

I went on the History of Black Georgetown tour last weekend, and wow, it was such an incredible experience. Our guide shared so many stories about the contributions of African Americans in the area, and it really gave me a new perspective on the neighborhood. The half-way stop at Thomas Sweet Shop was also a nice touch! Highly recommend if you’re in DC or looking for a unique gift for someone interested in history.

Considering the Black Georgetown tour for my dad's birthday!

I’m thinking of gifting the History of Black Georgetown tour to my dad for his birthday. He loves history and is always looking for new insights about DC. Does anyone know if it’s good for a more mature audience? He’s in his 60s and can walk a bit, but I want to make sure it’s engaging enough for him.