Washington, D.C. Beyond the Monuments

U Street/ Shaw

Experience the renaissance of Duke Ellington’s neighborhood, the historic heart of the city’s African-American community, where name entertainers, black-owned businesses, and grand movie theaters made U Street the place to be.

Take Metrorail to U St /African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo unless otherwise noted.

African-American Civil War Memorial : The nation’s only monument to African-American Civil War soldiers. The names of more than 209,000 are inscribed beside Ed Hamilton’s “Spirit of Freedom” sculpture. An adjacent museum offers changing exhibits and programs. Museum open Mon-Fri 10a.m.-6p.m., Sat 2-5p.m.. 1000 U St. NW. 202/667-2667. Exit U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/ Cardozo at Vermont Ave.
Duke Ellington Mural : A stunning mural by G. Byron Peck greets you when you exit U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo at 13th and U streets, NW.
The Lincoln Theatre : A first-run movie and vaudeville house, which hosted great African-American entertainers, was the heart and soul of D. C. ’s black social life during the 1930s and 1940s. Its restored elegant interior hosts music and dance concerts, theatre productions, and film festivals. Tours by appointment. 1215 U St. NW. 202/328-6000.
HR57, Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues : An archive of jazz history from around the world features jam sessions, jazz and blues recitals, and special events involving students and old-time professionals. Open Wed, Fri, & Sat nights. Admission: $6 patrons, $5 members, $4 musicians. 1610 14th St. NW. 202/667-3700.
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site : Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of the National Council of Negro Women and advisor to four U. S. presidents, made this grand Second Empire house her headquarters and occasionally her home. Open Mon-Sat 10a.m.-4p.m.. 1318 Vermont Ave. NW. 202/673-2404. U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo or McPherson Sq.
Black Fashion Museum : Preserves and exhibits antique and recent garments designed, made, and worn by people of the African diaspora. By appointment only. 2007 Vermont Ave. NW. 202/667-0744.

Neighborhood Heritage Walking Tours

For information on guided walking tours leaving from Metrorail stations, call 202/828-WALK (9255).

Created by the DC Heritage Tourism Coalition.