A short, photo-rich history of the Brookland neighborhood in Washington DC.
Tag: Civil War
Slavery was legal in Washington DC until 1862, when Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act. Through it, we can learn a great deal about those people held in bondage in what would become Brookland.
After the Civil War, the fortifications ringing the city had no further purpose and most were soon built over. Fort Bunker Hill had a different future.
An 1861 photograph from the Civil War supposedly showed a view of Fort Slocum. Research shows it actually depicts Fort Bunker Hill.
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.
The story of the Soldiers’ Home National Cemetery, started after the first battle of Bull Run in July, 1861.