Racially-restrictive housing covenants were a tool used to keep people of color out of certain neighborhoods. Brookland was one of them.
In the 1890s, many nomadic groups would camp in and around Washington DC. There was a large colony in Edgewood, next door to Brookland.
Colonel Jehiel Brooks had numerous famous acquaintances, including President John Tyler. He was also an ardent horticulturalist, and was quite attached to one particular tree.
The story of the National Training School for Boys, and one troubled resident who would become famous. His name was Charles Manson.
A colonial-era house used to stand at the southern end of Brookland. It has a fascinating history.
The story of Bill Jones, “The Avenger,” who took a shot at the man who killed President Garfield.
It was once called “Metropolis View,” but was renamed Edgewood by the Chief Justice of the United States and his beautiful daughter. A story of wealth and scandal.
Racially-restrictive housing covenants were a vicious tool to keep neighborhoods white. A block of Kearny Street provides an example.
A look at the houses built before Brookland was first subdivided in 1887 that still stand.
The story of Greenvale and William Hickey, who owned the land that would become the National Arboretum.
Bygone Brookland 