The History of Black Georgetown

Overview

*Starting in February 2025, tour is offered the first and third Saturday of the month at 2pm.

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.

City: Washington DC

Tue 15 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Tue 15 Jul

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Over 2 hours of historic information offered by an experienced guide.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Georgetown University

The gothic-style Healy Hall was built at the direction of, and named for, Georgetown University's only black President, Patrick Healy.

Rose Park

This historic park was the site of numerous political rallies and community gatherings for the black community in Georgetown.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (20)

Kris_C

Mar 2025

A friend was in town for the weekend and, because she’s visited DC many times, we’re always looking for a new adventure. As a history lover who’s married to a history buff, historical tours are my favorite! I settled on the Black Georgetown Tour because I’ve heard some stories and anecdotes about Blacks in Georgetown over the years but have always wanted to learn more. Our tour guide, Katie, did a great job! We learned so much. I was happy to share the information I knew with my husband once I returned home. I was even happier when I found out that some of the information I shared was new to him. I will book another tour with Katie and will likely take the Black Georgetown Tour again with a different set of friends.

republicofheaven

Feb 2025

This was a fantastic experience! I lived in DC for years and never knew the history behind Georgetown. It’s amazing to see the city in a new light. If only walls could talk!

yermol

Nov 2024

I've never attended a walking tour before but after attending this one, I will attend more. OTMDC takes you off the mall and major crowded tourist attractions to explore a much deeper and more personal side of the history of Washington telling stories rarely told. Despite living in the DC area for a lifetime, I had no idea of the rich history behind Georgetown and its African American community. I emerged on the other end of the tour feeling a deeper sense of connection to this city and its history. My cousin, in from Germany and for whom English is a second language, remarked multiple times how easy our tour guide was to understand and thought many other Europeans visiting DC would enjoy such a deep, insightful, and well done tour.