A Guide to Georgetown

Outside the hustle and bustle of central D.C. lies Georgetown, a neighborhood seemingly frozen in time yet exceptionally modern. Its brick buildings, lively sidewalks and hidden alleys hold unique shops and picturesque locales, enchanting DMV residents looking for a relaxed day trip. But what lies beyond this facade? Georgetown holds a fascinating history that many visitors overlook—one that becomes fully tangible the minute you step onto its cobblestone streets.

The Bethesda Trolley Trail, a popular route for Montgomery County runners, ends in  Georgetown. Upon reaching the neighborhood, visitors can refuel at one of nearly 150 restaurants, bakeries and cafes, then take some time to wander through the high-end shops. “It’s easy to get lost looking around. The people are nice, and it’s very bustling and fun to be in,” said Montgomery Blair sophomore Miriam Torrey-Coffidis, who on her latest excursion there enjoyed visiting the Tudor House and Italian restaurant Il Canale.

While all the sights and sounds can overwhelm the senses, visitors should be sure to stop and appreciate the vibrant public art scene of murals and statues. The neighborhood is a historical treasure trove—The Mansion on O Street, a boutique hotel-museum, abounds with secret doors and eclectic relics; Dumbarton Oaks showcases art from antiquity and magnificent gardens; and the Tudor Place, an elegant estate, once housed generations of Martha Washington’s descendants. Visitors can also stroll through the ten-acre Georgetown Waterfront Park. Before leaving, many tourists head to the notorious Exorcist Steps to experience the scene of the 1973 movie’s iconic climax.

Each season brings festivities to Georgetown, such as the breathtaking Georgetown GLOW light displays in the winter. This spring, the annual open-air Georgetown French Market will take place from April 25-27th, featuring discounts and French-themed food and wares.

So how did Georgetown become the unique attraction it is today? As it turns out, it has been one since about 1700.

In the 18th century, Georgetown’s ideal upriver location allowed it to serve as a trading center carrying European goods to western cities. Belonging to Maryland since 1751 and incorporated into Montgomery County, it was only turned over to the District of Columbia in 1800 once the U.S. Capital officially relocated there.

Georgetown flourished in the early 19th century, attracting affluent figures and government officials, fostering a rich religious community, and showing relative tolerance toward its free Black residents. Around one-third of its population was Black—most of whom were enslaved—but the neighborhood had two schools for Black girls and was home to many prominent individuals like the formerly enslaved entrepreneur Yarrow Mamout. After the Civil War, Georgetown’s Black population grew; despite some resentment from the area’s old Southern families, it became “an oddly integrated town with White working families living next door to Black working families,” according to local historian and author Jim Johnston. The heart of the neighborhood—now lined with chic shops and restaurants—once held many Black theaters and businesses. Nowadays, a walk down the African-American Heritage Trail brings these legacies to life.

Despite some stagnation at the end of the century, Georgetown experienced a revival as FDR’s expansion of the federal government drew in young people. The reason for its iconic maintained appearance dates to 1950, when the Old Georgetown Act instituted design requirements for all new construction “to preserve that old-time feel,” according to Johnston. Consequently, this made homes too expensive for much of its Black population, “and so the town became predominantly White with the expensive shopping areas you see today.”

Georgetown was a place where dignitaries lived and were made guests—“whenever anyone important came to Washington, they were inevitably invited to a dinner in Georgetown,” Johnston said. Furthermore, it was a Georgetown property—Dumbarton Oaks—in which a series of conferences were held that led to the creation of the United Nations at the end of World War II.

“It’s a very beautiful place and there’s a lot of historical significance and intrigue,” Torrey-Coffidis said. With its distinctive landmarks, eateries and shops just outside Montgomery County, Georgetown is an ideal place for an outing as the weather warms. So on your next trip to the region, think back to its centuries-old history and the generations of people captivated by the very same charm.

Written by Daniela Naaman

Photo courtesy of Bella Li