Washington DC Realtor

For those of you who frequent my Washington DC Realtor blog, you have become accustomed to reading about my fascination for all things historical.  When advising my clients on purchasing property in the metropolitan Washington DC area, I encourage them to educate themselves on the historical significance of the neighborhood that of are interest to them.  The best way to do so is by exploring one of Washington DC’s Neighborhood Heritage Trails.  One of my favorite Washington DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails is located in the historical industrial neighborhood of Barracks Row.

Capitol Hill, known almost exclusively for its rich political history, at one point in time was the home to the United States first line of defense, the U.S. Navy.  In 1799, President John Adams designated the area between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eight Street SE as the U.S. Navy Yard.  Two years later the U.S. Marines would build their barracks just north of the Navy Yard, an official decision made by President Thomas Jefferson.  Today, this area of Capitol Hill has become Barracks Row.

Unlike the polished white stone and regal federal home neighborhoods, Barracks Row provides South East Washington DC with a distinct industrial feel.  The historic buildings of the Eighth Street commercial area are home to new businesses.  Local streetscapes are being renovated as I write this by the Washington DC Department of Transportation.  Barracks Row is home to the Townhomes on Capitol Hill, a mixed-income development whose design complements the nearby Victorian era row houses.  Like most metropolitan Washington DC neighborhoods, any and all changes are made with the conscious effort of honoring a long history and cultural tradition.

The first sign is located on the Washington DC Barracks Row Heritage Trail is located at the Eastern Market Metro station plaza (Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Ave, SE).  The self-guided tour will take about 90 minutes to complete.  It looks you through the residential neighborhoods and concludes at Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market.

Along the way I suggest stopping off at Trattoria Alberto (506 8^th Street, SE) for a bite of Italian dining. Capitol Hill Books (657 C Street, SE) is also a delightful Barracks Row haunt and a great spot for used, rare, and first edition books.

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