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Anacostia
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Anacostia

neighborhood, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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Quick Summary

Anacostia is a neighborhood located southeast of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. It is predominantly a lower-income, African American community. The area was first developed in 1854 and connected to Capitol Hill by the 11th Street Bridge in 1874.1

Historically, Anacostia was home to former slaves after the Civil War and became a mixed neighborhood by the late 19th century. It saw housing development during World War II for war industry workers. Many European American families left Anacostia after school desegregation in the late 1950s and the race riots of 1968.1

Notable sites in Anacostia include the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and the Anacostia Community Museum. Redevelopment efforts, particularly around the Anacostia River and the opening of Nationals Park, have brought economic growth but also rising housing costs and displacement of long-time residents.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. Washington, D.C. - Anacostia
  2. Washington, D.C. - Northeast

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