Georgetown; The Undiscussed History:1850 - Early 1900s
Voices of the people through education and religion.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Throughout this story map, you will learn about Georgetown as it pertains to the undiscussed history of African Americans who lived here during the late 1850s to Early 1900s, playing a huge role in the development and growth of this neighborhood.
Photographs by Rick Reinhard, Image from the author’s personal collection
You will be learning about important historical landmarks, dates and people that shaped Georgetown through Religion and Education, two of the most important drivers of autonomy and community for African Americans during this time period.
Old Trinity Church (photograph ca 1851),Image from the author’s personal collection
Religion
Religion during this era was used as a way to obtain autonomy. African Americans were able to gain leadership roles, assist their communities and find ways to make sure that their community was taken care of.
Scroll to learn more about important dates and people who shaped religion in their community.
The 1860s
Over 200 African American families had already settled in Georgetown
1860-1870
Population of African Americans went from 1,935 to 3,271
1862
Georgetown, Washington city and the surrounding Washington county combined as one
Reverend Sandy Alexander founded the First baptist church, the first church of its denomination in Georgetown
1864
Georgetown African American churches finally were allowed to have black ministers
Reverend John H Brice first black minster was welcomed at Mount Zion United Methodist church
1920
Churches now in the Georgetown area included Mount Zion, First Baptist, Ebenezer A.M.E, and Jerusalem Baptist.
1925
Moses Booth helped plan the movement that led to the establishment of Epiphany Church- a Catholic Church.
Important people in Religion
Courtesy of the First Baptist Church,Image from the author’s personal collection
Rev. Sandy Alexander was the founder of First Baptist Church. He was a former slave and later organized Seventh Baptist Church as well.
Photographic copy courtesy of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Image from the author’s personal collection
Moses Booth helped plan the movement that led to the establishment of Epiphany Church which is a Catholic Church.
Map of prominent Churches in Georgetown
Photographic copy courtesy of Hannah Nash Williams, Image from the author’s personal collection
Education
Georgetown has several well funded schools who were mainly for white populations. Unfortunately, African American children had to travel in order to attend schools that were poorly funded and were over capacity.
Scroll to learn more about important dates as well as important educational figures.
1863
D.C. was now required each to expand equal per capita amounts on the education for children of every race
1866
Chamberlain School for Colored Children was built in the eastern section of Georgetown on 26th between P and Q street
1885
Wormley School at 3331 prospect street build in 1885 to accommodate the growing African American population.
1873
Reverend Patrick Healy became Georgetown’s Universities first African American President.
1927
African American Georgetown students attended Francis Junior High school despite having schools closer to them.
Example of how segregation between White and African American populations existed
Important people in Education
Courtesy of Georgetown University Archives
Rev. Patrick F. Healy was the first African American President of a predominantly white American University.
Courtesy of Jean Dodson Jackson, Image from the author’s personal collection.
Dr. Joseph Dodson was raised in Georgetown. He was among the first physician appointed to serve in the D.C. public schools, treating students in high schools.
Schools that African Americans in Georgetown traveled to for education.
While Georgetown was home to a large African American population, the process of displacement happened when diplomats and government officials started to move into the neighborhood. Rent prices started to rise, new architecture forced people out of their homes, and soon enough, African American families who could not afford to live in Georgetown started to move to surround areas.
What is remaining is the churches and schools that were built by these strong leaders I introduced in this story map. To learn more information and more about the African American population in Georgetown, read the book Black Georgetown Remembered: a History of Its Black Community from the Founding of The Town of George in 1751 to the Present Day. This book includes more dates, people and themes that will forever stay in Georgetown' s history.
Source for information and pictures above:
Lesko, Kathleen M., et al. Black Georgetown Remembered: a History of Its Black Community from the Founding of The Town of George in 1751 to the Present Day. Georgetown University Press, 1991.
