Rock Creek Park
Quick Summary
Rock Creek Park is the largest park in Washington, D.C., covering nearly 1,800 acres in Northwest D.C.. Congress purchased the land in 1890 to prevent its development. The park contains remnants of quartzite and soapstone quarries used by Native Americans. The National Zoological Park is also located within Rock Creek Park. The park is situated in a ravine that historically separated Washington from Georgetown, and its development accelerated in the late 19th century with the addition of bridges and public transportation.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Washington, D.C.City site…shallow, long ravine—what is now Rock Creek Park—separated Washington from the old port city of Georgetown; development to the north and west of this ravine was slow until the end of the 19th century, when the ravine was bridged and public transportation was made available.
Read More…shallow, long ravine—what is now Rock Creek Park—separated Washington from the old port city of Georgetown; development to the north and west of this ravine was slow until the end of the 19th century, when the ravine was bridged and public transportation was made available.
Read More- Washington, D.C.Parks and open spaces
The largest is Rock Creek Park, encompassing nearly 1,800 acres (730 hectares) in Northwest D.C. Congress purchased this land in 1890 to safeguard it from development. Remnants of quartzite and soapstone quarries once used by Native Americans can be found there. The National Zoological Park occupies about 160…
Read MoreThe largest is Rock Creek Park, encompassing nearly 1,800 acres (730 hectares) in Northwest D.C. Congress purchased this land in 1890 to safeguard it from development. Remnants of quartzite and soapstone quarries once used by Native Americans can be found there. The National Zoological Park occupies about 160…
Read More