Visitors to our nation's Capital flock to the city's big tourist attractions, including the White House, the various memorials and the Smithsonian Institute. But D.C. offers other ways to experience history as well, like a pair of Heritage Trails. Marked by signs that feature photos, text and maps, these trails lead visitors through the city, highlighting historically or culturally significant locations and bringing the past to life in a way that no regimented, guided tour could.
The Civil War to Civil Rights Heritage Trail focuses on the city's role during the war between the states, and in the subsequent struggles of black citizens to attain justice and equality. Walking along the trail, visitors can get a sense of what Washington was like when it served as headquarters for the Union Army. They can stop at locations related to President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. They can also see the hotel where Martin Luther King, Jr. worked on his historic "I Have a Dream" speech before delivering it at the Lincoln Memorial.
City Within a City. Also known as the Greater U Street Heritage Trail, this trail focuses on Washington D.C.'s importance as a center of African-American culture, art and business, particularly during the many decades of segregation. The trail's 14 stops in the Shaw/U Street neighborhood call attention to sites related to important black leaders, scientists and entertainers, ranging from Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall to Jazz great Duke Ellington.
The Heritage Trails give visitors the chance to get away from the more crowded tourists spots and see a different side of the nation's capital. Washington D.C. is a living, breathing city with unique neighborhoods, cultural diversity and fascinating history. For more information about Washington D.C. and D.C. tourism, check out the following organizations or websites:
DC Heritage
www.dcheritage.org
The National Park Service
www.nps.gov
Washington DC Convention and Tourism
www.washington.org
D.C. Registry: Tourism
www.dcregistry.com
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