Anacostia
Encyclopedia
Anacostia is a historic neighborhood in Washington, D.C.
Its historic downtown is located at the intersection of Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
It is the most famous neighborhood in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, located east of the Anacostia River
, after which the neighborhood is named. Like the other quadrants of Washington, D.C., Southeast encompasses a large number of named neighborhoods, of which Anacostia and Capitol Hill are the most well known. Anacostia includes all of the Anacostia Historic District
that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1978. Often the name Anacostia is incorrectly used to refer to the entire portion of the city that is southeast of the Anacostia River.
settlement along the Anacostia River
. Captain John Smith
explored the area in 1608, traveling up the "Eastern Branch" later the Anacostia River mistaking it for the main body of the Potomac River and met Anacostans.
The core of what is now the Anacostia historic district was incorporated in 1854 as Uniontown and was one of the first suburbs in the District of Columbia. It was designed to be financially available to Washington's working class, many of whom were employed across the river at the Navy Yard
; its (then) location outside of and isolated from the city made its real estate inexpensive. The initial subdivision of 1854 carried restrictive covenant
s prohibiting the sale, rental or lease of property to anyone of African or Irish descent. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass
, often called "the sage of Anacostia," bought Cedar Hill, the estate belonging to the developer of Uniontown, in 1877 and lived there until he died in 1895. The home is still maintained as a historical site in Anacostia.
During the Civil War
, Anacostia was protected by a series of forts upon the hills southwest of the city. Following the conclusion of the war, the forts were dismantled and the land returned to its original owners.
Anacostia, always part of the District of Columbia, became a part of the city of Washington when the city and District became coterminous in 1878.
, unemployed World War I veterans from all across the country marched on Washington to demand immediate payment of a bonus promised to them. The event became known as the Bonus Army
Conflict. Most of the Bonus Army camped on Anacostia Flats, a swampy, muddy area along the Anacostia River and later reclaimed as Anacostia Park/Fairlawn Park. Fearing civil unrest, the government had the military intervene on marchers at Pennsylvania Avenue. They were dispersed by the Army Chief of Staff
General Douglas MacArthur
acting on the orders of President Herbert Hoover
.
was constructed. The highway imposed a barrier between the Anacostia neighborhood and the Anacostia River
waterfront. Numerous public housing
apartment complexes were also built in the neighborhood. With the flight of much of the middle class out of the neighborhood during the late 1950s and 1960's with the opportunity to move to newer housing in postwar suburbs, Anacostia's demographics changed dramatically as the neighborhood became predominantly African American. Later events with the rise of drugs and poverty adversely affected the area.
Shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities throughout greater Anacostia are limited, as development slowed with a decrease in income in the area. Residents often must travel to either the suburbs or downtown Washington for these services. Anacostia, however, does have a year-round ice skating rink at Fort Dupont Park; the city police boys' club; and a "tennis and learning center", combining sports with academic tutoring in Congress Heights.
In 2005, Building Bridges Across the River opened the 110,000-square-foot (10,000 m2) Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) which is home to eleven nonprofit organizations, all of which share the goal of helping children and adults reach their full potential. Free summer evening jazz concerts are also given weekly in Fort Dupont Park. The annual Martin Luther King Birthday Parade is a notable annual event along the Avenue bearing Dr. King's name. Starting in 2006 the annual parade date was changed from January to April. (Also see the separate article on Congress Heights
). In January 2007 a new large supermarket opened to serve the neighborhood.
. It is the most famous neighborhood in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, located east of the Anacostia River
, after which the neighborhood is named.
as a historic district
. The historic district retains much of its mid-to-late 19th-century low-scale, working-class character, as is evident in its architecture.
In 1957, an Anacostia landmark, the World's Largest Chair, was installed at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and V Street, SE. The chair was installed by the Curtis Brothers Furniture Company and built by Bassett Furniture Manufacturing Co.,. In the summer of 2005, the "Big Chair
" was removed for repairs, then returned in April 2006.
and the Naval Support Facility Anacostia
.
waterfront to promote community and appreciation of one of the District of Columbia's greatest natural resources.
Plans include numerous parks restored of their natural wetlands and forests, canoe tie-ups, a playground, a four-acre 9/11 Memorial Grove, and an Environmental Education Center. The Center will engage visitors in learning about the history and use of the Anacostia River through a 9000 square feet (836.1 m²), two story complex topped by a green roof/nursery center with classrooms, labs and a multipurpose area beneath. Studios Architecture
was chosen to be the Architect of the project, while the administrating agency will be the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation
.
s in Washington, D.C. occurred in the 7th District of the Metropolitan Police Department
, which also includes the neighborhoods of Barry Farm, Naylor Gardens
, and Washington Highlands
. This figure is down from the 7th District's peak of 133 homicides in 1993.
professional baseball stadium is located on the North side of the Anacostia River
in southeast Washington.
operates public schools. Anacostia High School serves Anacostia. Ballou High School
is in southern Anacostia. The area has a number of middle and elementary schools.
, is a ten minute ride on Washington Metro's
Green Line
from downtown Washington; other metro stations on the Green and Orange lines serve other parts of Greater Anacostia.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
Its historic downtown is located at the intersection of Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue is a major street in the District of Columbia traversing through both the Southwest and Southeast quadrants.-Route:...
It is the most famous neighborhood in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, located east of the Anacostia River
Anacostia River
The Anacostia River is a river in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. It flows from Prince George's County in Maryland into Washington, D.C., where it joins with the Washington Channel to empty into the Potomac River at Buzzard Point. It is approximately long...
, after which the neighborhood is named. Like the other quadrants of Washington, D.C., Southeast encompasses a large number of named neighborhoods, of which Anacostia and Capitol Hill are the most well known. Anacostia includes all of the Anacostia Historic District
Anacostia Historic District
The Anacostia Historic District is a historic district in the city of Washington, D.C., comprising approximately 20 squares and about 550 buildings built between 1854 and 1930. The Anacostia Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. "The architectural...
that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1978. Often the name Anacostia is incorrectly used to refer to the entire portion of the city that is southeast of the Anacostia River.
History
The name "Anacostia" comes from the anglocized name of a Nacochtank Native AmericansNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
settlement along the Anacostia River
Anacostia River
The Anacostia River is a river in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. It flows from Prince George's County in Maryland into Washington, D.C., where it joins with the Washington Channel to empty into the Potomac River at Buzzard Point. It is approximately long...
. Captain John Smith
John Smith of Jamestown
Captain John Smith Admiral of New England was an English soldier, explorer, and author. He was knighted for his services to Sigismund Bathory, Prince of Transylvania and friend Mózes Székely...
explored the area in 1608, traveling up the "Eastern Branch" later the Anacostia River mistaking it for the main body of the Potomac River and met Anacostans.
The core of what is now the Anacostia historic district was incorporated in 1854 as Uniontown and was one of the first suburbs in the District of Columbia. It was designed to be financially available to Washington's working class, many of whom were employed across the river at the Navy Yard
Washington Navy Yard
The Washington Navy Yard is the former shipyard and ordnance plant of the United States Navy in Southeast Washington, D.C. It is the oldest shore establishment of the U.S. Navy...
; its (then) location outside of and isolated from the city made its real estate inexpensive. The initial subdivision of 1854 carried restrictive covenant
Restrictive covenant
A restrictive covenant is a type of real covenant, a legal obligation imposed in a deed by the seller upon the buyer of real estate to do or not to do something. Such restrictions frequently "run with the land" and are enforceable on subsequent buyers of the property...
s prohibiting the sale, rental or lease of property to anyone of African or Irish descent. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, orator, writer and statesman. After escaping from slavery, he became a leader of the abolitionist movement, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writing...
, often called "the sage of Anacostia," bought Cedar Hill, the estate belonging to the developer of Uniontown, in 1877 and lived there until he died in 1895. The home is still maintained as a historical site in Anacostia.
During the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, Anacostia was protected by a series of forts upon the hills southwest of the city. Following the conclusion of the war, the forts were dismantled and the land returned to its original owners.
Anacostia, always part of the District of Columbia, became a part of the city of Washington when the city and District became coterminous in 1878.
Great Depression
In 1932, during the Great DepressionGreat Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
, unemployed World War I veterans from all across the country marched on Washington to demand immediate payment of a bonus promised to them. The event became known as the Bonus Army
Bonus Army
The Bonus Army was the popular name of an assemblage of some 43,000 marchers—17,000 World War I veterans, their families, and affiliated groups—who gathered in Washington, D.C., in the spring and summer of 1932 to demand immediate cash-payment redemption of their service certificates...
Conflict. Most of the Bonus Army camped on Anacostia Flats, a swampy, muddy area along the Anacostia River and later reclaimed as Anacostia Park/Fairlawn Park. Fearing civil unrest, the government had the military intervene on marchers at Pennsylvania Avenue. They were dispersed by the Army Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff of the United States Army
The Chief of Staff of the Army is a statutory office held by a four-star general in the United States Army, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Army, and as such is the principal military advisor and a deputy to the Secretary of the Army; and is in...
General Douglas MacArthur
Douglas MacArthur
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
acting on the orders of President Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Clark Hoover was the 31st President of the United States . Hoover was originally a professional mining engineer and author. As the United States Secretary of Commerce in the 1920s under Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge, he promoted partnerships between government and business...
.
Post-war years
Anacostia's population remained predominantly European-American up until the late 1950s and early 1960's, with Whites comprising 87% of the population. During the 1960s, the Anacostia Freeway (I-295)Interstate 295 (District of Columbia)
Interstate 295 in the U.S. state of Maryland and in Washington, D.C. is a spur route connecting I-95/I-495 and Maryland Route 210 on the Potomac River to Interstate 695 in downtown Washington.-Route description:Although I-295 technically begins at the Capital Beltway , a pair of mainline...
was constructed. The highway imposed a barrier between the Anacostia neighborhood and the Anacostia River
Anacostia River
The Anacostia River is a river in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. It flows from Prince George's County in Maryland into Washington, D.C., where it joins with the Washington Channel to empty into the Potomac River at Buzzard Point. It is approximately long...
waterfront. Numerous public housing
Public housing
Public housing is a form of housing tenure in which the property is owned by a government authority, which may be central or local. Social housing is an umbrella term referring to rental housing which may be owned and managed by the state, by non-profit organizations, or by a combination of the...
apartment complexes were also built in the neighborhood. With the flight of much of the middle class out of the neighborhood during the late 1950s and 1960's with the opportunity to move to newer housing in postwar suburbs, Anacostia's demographics changed dramatically as the neighborhood became predominantly African American. Later events with the rise of drugs and poverty adversely affected the area.
Shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities throughout greater Anacostia are limited, as development slowed with a decrease in income in the area. Residents often must travel to either the suburbs or downtown Washington for these services. Anacostia, however, does have a year-round ice skating rink at Fort Dupont Park; the city police boys' club; and a "tennis and learning center", combining sports with academic tutoring in Congress Heights.
In 2005, Building Bridges Across the River opened the 110,000-square-foot (10,000 m2) Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) which is home to eleven nonprofit organizations, all of which share the goal of helping children and adults reach their full potential. Free summer evening jazz concerts are also given weekly in Fort Dupont Park. The annual Martin Luther King Birthday Parade is a notable annual event along the Avenue bearing Dr. King's name. Starting in 2006 the annual parade date was changed from January to April. (Also see the separate article on Congress Heights
Congress Heights
Congress Heights is a largely residential neighborhood in Southeast Washington, D.C. Although it is in the poorest section of what is generally regarded as inner-city Washington—the area east of the Anacostia River -- it is very likely the most economically diverse, and most suburban, neighborhood...
). In January 2007 a new large supermarket opened to serve the neighborhood.
Geography
Anacostia downtown is located at the intersection of Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. AvenueMartin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue is a major street in the District of Columbia traversing through both the Southwest and Southeast quadrants.-Route:...
. It is the most famous neighborhood in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, located east of the Anacostia River
Anacostia River
The Anacostia River is a river in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. It flows from Prince George's County in Maryland into Washington, D.C., where it joins with the Washington Channel to empty into the Potomac River at Buzzard Point. It is approximately long...
, after which the neighborhood is named.
Demographics
As of the 2000 Census, Anacostia's population is 92% African-American, 5% Non-Hispanic White, and 3% other.Landmarks
The Anacostia Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
as a historic district
Historic district (United States)
In the United States, a historic district is a group of buildings, properties, or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects and sites within a historic district are normally divided...
. The historic district retains much of its mid-to-late 19th-century low-scale, working-class character, as is evident in its architecture.
In 1957, an Anacostia landmark, the World's Largest Chair, was installed at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and V Street, SE. The chair was installed by the Curtis Brothers Furniture Company and built by Bassett Furniture Manufacturing Co.,. In the summer of 2005, the "Big Chair
Chair (sculpture)
Chair is a public artwork designed as an advertisement by Bassett Furniture, located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Ave. & V. Street S.E., in the Anacostia neighorhood of Washington, D.C., United States of America. Chair was originally surveyed as part of the Smithsonian's Save Outdoor...
" was removed for repairs, then returned in April 2006.
Industry
Notable facilities in the area include Bolling Air Force BaseBolling Air Force Base
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is a military installation, located in Southeast Washington, D.C., established on 1 October 2010 in accordance with congressional legislation implementing the recommendations of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission...
and the Naval Support Facility Anacostia
Naval Support Facility Anacostia
Naval Support Facility Anacostia is a United States Naval Base in Anacostia, Washington, D.C. and is conjoined with Bolling Air Force Base. NSF Anacostia falls under the command of Naval Support Activity Washington.-History:...
.
Tourism
Founded in 2000, the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative plans to revitalize a 45 acres (182,108.7 m²) piece of the Anacostia RiverAnacostia River
The Anacostia River is a river in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. It flows from Prince George's County in Maryland into Washington, D.C., where it joins with the Washington Channel to empty into the Potomac River at Buzzard Point. It is approximately long...
waterfront to promote community and appreciation of one of the District of Columbia's greatest natural resources.
Plans include numerous parks restored of their natural wetlands and forests, canoe tie-ups, a playground, a four-acre 9/11 Memorial Grove, and an Environmental Education Center. The Center will engage visitors in learning about the history and use of the Anacostia River through a 9000 square feet (836.1 m²), two story complex topped by a green roof/nursery center with classrooms, labs and a multipurpose area beneath. Studios Architecture
Studios Architecture
STUDIOS Architecture is an international design firm that was founded in 1985 in San Francisco, California. The firm provides architecture, master planning, interior design, environmental graphic design and strategic consulting services on commercial, mixed-use, civic, and institutional projects...
was chosen to be the Architect of the project, while the administrating agency will be the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation
Anacostia Waterfront Corporation
The Anacostia Waterfront Corporation was a government-owned corporation established by the government of Washington, D.C., to revitalize neighborhoods next to the Anacostia River and to coordinate the environmental rehabilitation and use of the river...
.
Hospitals
- St. Elizabeths HospitalSt. Elizabeths HospitalSt. Elizabeths Hospital is a psychiatric hospital operated by the District of Columbia Department of Mental Health. It was the first large-scale, federally-run psychiatric hospital in the United States. Housing several thousand patients at its peak, St. Elizabeths had a fully functioning...
(more than 100 years old) - Greater Southeast Community Hospital
Crime
High crime rates, associated with drug trade, reached a peak in the 1990s. In 2005, 62 of the 195 homicideHomicide
Homicide refers to the act of a human killing another human. Murder, for example, is a type of homicide. It can also describe a person who has committed such an act, though this use is rare in modern English...
s in Washington, D.C. occurred in the 7th District of the Metropolitan Police Department
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
The Metropolitan Police Department, also known as the DC Police, DCPD, MPD, and MPDC is the municipal police force in Washington, D.C...
, which also includes the neighborhoods of Barry Farm, Naylor Gardens
Naylor Gardens
Naylor Gardens is a small neighborhood located in southeast Washington, D.C. It is bounded by Suitland Road to the north, Southern Avenue to the south, Naylor Road to the west, and Branch Avenue to the east. The neighborhood is located in the area south and east of the Anacostia River.Naylor...
, and Washington Highlands
Washington Highlands
Washington Highlands is a large residential neighborhood in Southeast Washington, D.C., bounded on three sides by Oxon Run Park and on the fourth side by Southern Avenue...
. This figure is down from the 7th District's peak of 133 homicides in 1993.
Athletics
The Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
professional baseball stadium is located on the North side of the Anacostia River
Anacostia River
The Anacostia River is a river in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. It flows from Prince George's County in Maryland into Washington, D.C., where it joins with the Washington Channel to empty into the Potomac River at Buzzard Point. It is approximately long...
in southeast Washington.
Education
District of Columbia Public SchoolsDistrict of Columbia Public Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools is the traditional public school system of Washington, D.C. in the United States.- Composition and enrollment :...
operates public schools. Anacostia High School serves Anacostia. Ballou High School
Ballou High School
Ballou Senior High School is a public school located in Washington, D.C., United States. Ballou is a part of the District of Columbia Public Schools. The current principal is Rahman Branch...
is in southern Anacostia. The area has a number of middle and elementary schools.
Culture
- The Anacostia MuseumAnacostia MuseumThe Anacostia Community Museum is a Smithsonian Institution museum in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., United States, opened in 1967...
, a branch of the Smithsonian InstitutionSmithsonian InstitutionThe Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
, was established in 1967 by S. Dillon RipleySidney Dillon RipleySidney Dillon Ripley was an American ornithologist and wildlife conservationist. He served as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution from 1964-1984.-Biography:...
, then-Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. - The Honfleur GalleryHonfleur GalleryThe Honfleur Gallery located on Good Hope Road in the historic Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., is a gallery that was established in January 2007 by the Action to Rehabilitate Community Housing group. The art gallery opened amid concerns of whether an art gallery was what the...
, located near the corner of Martin Luther King Ave and Good Hope Road is a gallery showcasing nationally-known works alongside that of local artists. It also hosts a bi-monthly poetry series called Intersections, sponsored by the American Poetry MuseumAmerican Poetry MuseumThe American Poetry Museum is a museum dedicated to American poetry, located in Anacostia, Washington, D.C., USA.The museum was founded in 2004.As well as a traditional museum role, APM also provides a community meeting place.- External links :...
. - District of Columbia Public LibraryDistrict of Columbia Public LibraryThe District of Columbia Public Library is the public library system for residents of Washington, D.C. The system includes 25 individual libraries including Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library .-History:...
operates the Anacostia Interim Library. - Cedar HillFrederick Douglass National Historic SiteThe Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, administered by the National Park Service, is located at 1411 W St., SE in Anacostia, a neighborhood east of the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, D.C.. Established in 1988 as a National Historic Site, the site preserves the home and estate of...
, the home of abolitionist Frederick DouglassFrederick DouglassFrederick Douglass was an American social reformer, orator, writer and statesman. After escaping from slavery, he became a leader of the abolitionist movement, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writing...
, known as the "Lion of Anacostia", sits atop a hill overlooking the Anacostia neighborhood on W Street SE.
Transportation
The neighborhood, served by the Anacostia Metro stationAnacostia (Washington Metro)
Anacostia is a Washington Metro station in Washington, D.C. on the Green Line. The station is located in the Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast Washington, with entrances at Shannon Place and Howard Road near Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE . The station serves as a hub for Metrobus routes in...
, is a ten minute ride on Washington Metro's
Washington Metro
The Washington Metro, commonly called Metro, and unofficially Metrorail, is the rapid transit system in Washington, D.C., United States, and its surrounding suburbs. It is administered by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority , which also operates Metrobus service under the Metro name...
Green Line
Green Line (Washington Metro)
The Green Line is one of five heavy rail subway lines that constitute the Washington Metro rapid transit system in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The Green Line consists of 21 stations, with termini at Branch Avenue and at Greenbelt. The Green Line runs through Prince George's County,...
from downtown Washington; other metro stations on the Green and Orange lines serve other parts of Greater Anacostia.
See also
- Congress HeightsCongress HeightsCongress Heights is a largely residential neighborhood in Southeast Washington, D.C. Although it is in the poorest section of what is generally regarded as inner-city Washington—the area east of the Anacostia River -- it is very likely the most economically diverse, and most suburban, neighborhood...
- Fort GrebleFort GrebleFort Greble was an American Civil War-era Union fortification constructed as part of the defenses of Washington, D.C. during that war. Named after 1st Lt. John T. Greble, the first West Point graduate killed in the U.S...
- Fort StantonFort Stanton (Washington, D.C.)Fort Stanton was a Civil War-era fortification constructed in the hills above Anacostia in the District of Columbia and was intended to prevent Confederate artillery from threatening the Washington Navy Yard. It also guarded the approach to the bridge that connected Anacostia with Washington...
- BellevueBellevue, Washington, D.C.Bellevue is a residential neighborhood located in Southwest Washington, D.C, east of Bolling Air Force Base. It is bounded by Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SW to the west and northwest, Joliet Street SW to the south, and First Street and South Capitol Street on the east. There are many garden...
- Washington Highlands
- HillcrestHillcrest, Washington, D.C.Hillcrest is a neighborhood in the southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., United States. Hillcrest is located in Ward 7, east of the Anacostia River. Hillcrest is a rather affluent and well-kept neighborhood. Former mayor Marion Barry is a former resident. Current residents include Mayor Vincent C...