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

Wed 23 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Wed 23 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)

sollangec991

Nov 2021

I really enjoyed my tour with Katie yesterday. She is knowledgeable, fun and friendly. The tour was a little over 2hrs long and Georgetown is hilly so be prepared for that. She keeps her groups small, which I really liked. If you are looking for something a little different than the usual DC your, this is for you! Highly recommended.

annemH3236FI

Nov 2021

Wonderfully fun and interesting tour. Katie is very knowledgeable and friendly and could also speak French to my expat friends :) We had an amazing tour focusing on the History of Black Georgetown and learned so much. Thank you Katie! 😀

Q3753TDirinap

Nov 2021

Katie is a spectacular guide whose passion for history really shines throughout the tour. She has a way of making the history come alive that lets you connect with historical figures and appreciate them as individuals, not just as pages in a history book. She was able to connect lesser-known people and backstories with more well-known figures and events in a really memorable way. After taking one tour (the Oak Hill Cemetery tour) I can't wait to sign up for more to get a better understanding of Washington, DC, even though I have lived in this city for 7 years. Oak Hill Cemetery by itself is a really interesting place to visit, but our visit was greatly enriched by touring with her.