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The History of Georgetown

2008-06-16T15:02:00Z

Like with many of the nation’s oldest establishments, Georgetown’s magnetism is greatly driven by its historical significance and the fact that centuries of events, both remarkable and unremarkable, have taken place within its boundaries. Georgetown’s founding year—1751—predates that of the nation’s capital, and much of the neighborhood’s structures, streets, and institutions are preserved today as pieces of not only Georgetown’s, but America’s treasured past.

The History of Georgetown

Prior to 1751, the land that was to become Georgetown was owned by George Gordon and George Beall, both of whom profited from the trading and shipping of tobacco on the Potomac River waterway. Gordon established a tobacco inspection house in 1745, which drew other pioneers, traders, and business owners to the area. Before long, Gordon and Beall’s site on the Potomac became a thriving port community, shipping goods to and from Colonial Maryland. In 1751, the Maryland Legislature, under the reign of King George II of Great Britain, purchased 60 acres from Gordon and Beall and established the settlement of Georgetown, so named to honor the Crown.
After the culmination of the Revolutionary War, Georgetown’s first residents were privileged with watching the birth of the nation; in fact, first President George Washington frequented various locations in Georgetown, including Suter’s Tavern (no longer existing), to arrange land deals for the new capital city. Thomas Jefferson resided in Georgetown while he served as Vice President under John Adams from 1797 to 1801, and several years later, in 1808, Georgetown was the home of Francis Scott Key, who is credited with drafting the nation’s anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. During these decades, Georgetown was expanding commercially and culturally as new taverns and stores opened, new churches were built, and a variety of newspapers published and circulated. One of the businesses from this time still remains today—the City Tavern, established in the 1790’s, currently serves as a private social club called the City Tavern Club, located near the intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Ave. Also, Georgetown University, founded by Father John Carroll, was established at this time.

Georgetown was incorporated as a town and issued its first charter in 1789. Officially known as “Georgetown, D.C.”, the town remained an independent municipal government until after the Civil War, when Congress revoked its corporate charter and it became part of Washington, D.C. Throughout the 19th century, the residents of Georgetown struggled with the Potomac River port, which had been slowly rendered un-navigable as silt gathered on the riverbed over time. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was constructed between 1828 and 1850 in order to re-open a waterway that would connect Georgetown to Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia. Although the C&O allowed Georgetown to continue as an important shipping center for the region at first, it too became silted up and eventually ceased operations. This brought about a temporary depression as Georgetown’s industry slowly shrunk away from the Potomac. In the years leading up to WWI, the area was regarded as a poverty-stricken slum.

Georgetown turned an about-face when several political figures from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration moved to the area, and many people began to take an interest in the neighborhood, recognizing its historical significance. The Citizens Association of Georgetown began working heartily to preserve the area’s character, and influenced Congress to pass the Old Georgetown Act of 1950, which designated Georgetown as a “historic district” and gave the Commission of Fine Arts advisory powers over new constructions and building alterations done in the neighborhood. Also, the Citizens Association of Georgetown successfully prevented the demolition of the Old Stone House on M Street, which is known to be the oldest surviving house in Washington, D.C., dating as far back as 1756. Georgetown came to be the height of fashion as the longtime residence of both John F. and Jackie Kennedy as JFK worked as a Congressman and Senator throughout the 50’s. It was in Booth #3 at Billy Martin’s Tavern, located near the intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Ave., that JFK proposed to Jackie in 1953. Since then, Georgetown has been lived in and frequented by the most prominent political figures and members of the elite, as well as students, professionals, and everyday Joes. Today, Georgetown’s residents and businesses continue to be diligent in preserving the neighborhood’s most treasured landmarks, understanding that Georgetown not only represents the history of a community, but the history of a nation.

Georgetown - DC - Attractions

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Old Stone House The Old Stone House, which looks rather unremarkable at first glance, but in actuality is Washington D.C.’s oldest surviving building. The house was built in 1765, and unlike the other homes of its day, the Old Stone House was spared deconstruction through the centuries due to a local rumor that George Washington and Pierre Charles L’Enfant met there to discuss plans for designing the Capitol. Today the Old Stone House is owned and preserved by the National Park Service as a museum for the public. Tudor Place The Tudor Place is a grand mansion and 5 ½ acre garden that was once the home of Martha Custis Peter, granddaughter of George and Martha Washington. Many prominent figures, such as Marquis de Lafayette, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun were entertained by the Peter’s within their breathtaking parlour, dining room, and drawing room. Healy Hall Healy Hall, located on the Georgetown University campus, was built between 1877 and 1879. It features intricate Flemish Romanesque architecture designed by architects Smithmeyer and Pelz. One of Georgetown University students’ mischievous traditions is to steal the clock hands from the Healy Clock Tower and send them to the Vatican, only to have them sent back to the University marked “return to sender.” Kreeger Museum The Kreeger Museum stands as Georgetown’s premier art museum. Located in a home designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, the museum showcases the permanent collection of David and Carmen Kreeger, which includes an impressive number of 19th and 20th century artwork by artists such as Monet, van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, Chagall, Rodin, Miro, and more.

The Neighborhood of Georgetown

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The neighborhood of Georgetown is located on the Potomac River in Washington, DC, approximately 2 miles northwest of the White House. With a history predating that of the nation’s capital, Georgetown has for many years been populated with some of America’s most influential people, such as Thomas Jefferson, Francis Scott Key, Alexander Graham Bell, and the Kennedy’s, as well as many contemporary household names, including Senator John Kerry, Bob Woodward, Madeleine Albright, and George Stephanopoulos. It boasts a well-established and diverse community, containing the embassies of France, Mongolia, Sweden, Thailand, and Ukraine, and is home to the highly respected Georgetown University, which prides itself on the diversity of its students, its studies, and its international reputation.

People all over the world are lured to Georgetown for a variety of reasons—the historic landmarks and museums that speak for the centuries, the high society and high fashion, and the long list of restaurants that show off the neighborhood’s impeccable taste. Some of the major attractions within Georgetown are the Old Stone House, the Tudor Place, Georgetown University’s Healy Hall, and the Kreeger Museum, all of which give local residents an appreciation for the history, beauty and art of their neighborhood. For a little R&R under the sun, Georgetown offers five parks and recreation centers, such as the Francis Scott Key Park, located on the scenic Potomac River waterfront. Adults and children alike will love a boat ride on the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, operated by the National Park Service. And for a night on the town, Georgetown is packed with nightlife venues that range from casual taverns to sophisticated jazz clubs.

Georgetown Real Estate

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With so much to offer its residents—a rich and meaningful history, a caring and diverse community, and a great list of attractions and entertainment--living in Georgetown is truly a pleasure and a privilege. For those who want to relocate to Georgetown, the real estate market offers exciting housing opportunities unlike any others in the U.S. Properties for sale in Georgetown include condominiums and townhouses, single family detached and semi-detached homes, and elegant estates. Beautifully restored historic homes are abundant in Georgetown, and feature classic design mixed with modern conveniences. The 19th-20th century Federal style row house dominates the market, but there is a selection of single family detached homes for sale in Georgetown that typically show great appreciation value as Georgetown real estate becomes more and more desirable. Condominiums in Georgetown present the most affordable housing option available in the neighborhood, with units selling as low as $200,000. Georgetown condominiums can be traditional with charming historic details, or ultra-sleek contemporary loft-style units for the hip and trendy homebuyer. Many condominiums and townhomes in Georgetown feature fabulous outdoor spaces, terraces, balconies, and even roof-top gardens. No matter what type of housing you are looking for—a historically accurate row house with original woodwork or a newly constructed condo close to Georgetown University—the Georgetown real estate market has what you need to start your life in this unique and vibrant neighborhood.

Georgetown Area Real Estate

2008-06-12T19:34:00Z

Georgetown is a popular, stylish Washington neighborhood which originated as a tobacco port in the 17th century. In addition to its prominent university, Georgetown has many historic homes, many of which are now public museums, and the embassies of France, Mongolia, Sweden, Thailand, and the Ukraine. Many people choose to purchase a home in historic Georgetown. Real estate values are steadily rising in this urban setting.

Georgetown real estate offers an unparalleled experience featuring historic sites, homes and gardens. One can tour the fabulous gardens and peruse the renowned Pre-Columbian artifacts at Dumbarton Oaks, or stroll along the picturesque C&O Canal. The elegant homes which comprise much of Georgetown real estate are home to many well-known national figures, and scores of prominent Washingtonians.