U Street: A historic and happening spot
There are plenty of places for history, or culture, or entertainment in D.C., but there are few where all three collide so well as on U Street. Once the center of the city’s African American community, U Street has become a bustling spot for restaurants, bars, music and historic sites from the neighborhood’s past.
The area just north of downtown originally began as Civil War encampments housing freedom seekers in the 1860s. Nearby Howard University attracted black intellectuals and artists from around the country in the following decades, and by the early 20th century the area was the center of D.C.’s black community.
The birthplace of musician Duke Ellington, U Street was also a mecca for jazz and attracted greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday and Miles Davis. Many played the landmark Howard Theater, still located in the neighborhood.
Other historic spots of interest include the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, the Duke Ellington Mural depicting the jazz great, and the Lincoln Theater, a classic music venue open since 1922. A self-guided trip through the Greater U Street Heritage Trail, marked by 14 informative signs, is also a terrific way to see the neighborhood.
Aside from its fascinating past and historic sites, U Street is also a fantastic spot for entertainment. Dozens of restaurants line the street, from Greek to Ethiopian, Latin to down home soul food. D.C. favorite Ben’s Chili Bowl has long been a U Street landmark, attracting famous fans like Bill Cosby and President Barack Obama. Countless bars and boutiques also line U Street, each with a flair all their own.
Easily accessible by Metro, and with plenty of available street parking, U Street truly is an area worth exploring. It’s a one-stop entertainment spot, and an educational trip through the city’s past, all rolled into one neighborhood.
Posted by D.J. Siegel
