Black history of Washington DC

Washington DC is full of great African American history.Then nations capital was full of slaves and freed black men and women.The slave trade in the city was so bad ministers from other counties would wonder how the capital of the United States could have so many slaves. Pennsylvania Avenue has the inaugural parade every 4 years. Slaves marched down the same avenue to the auction house. If you were black in the 1800's you were under very strict laws. A black person could not be outside his or her house past 10 pm . If you were out pass 10pm several actions could happen to you. You could be put in jail, thrown into slavery, beaten or killed. Blacks were not allowed to gamble .Blacks did own homes . If you were a freed black if you owned your home every year 3 letters from non blacks were needed to attest to your character.

Washington has some great neighborhoods to visit embedded with black history. The neighborhood of Anacostia in the southeast section of the city is where Frederick Douglass made his home. Mr. Douglass purchased his house on September 1, 1877 for the sum of $6700.The house sits up top of a hill that over looks the city. You can get a great view of the city just by sitting on the poach of the house.The National Park Service does tours of the house and grounds.On The tour of the house you will see some of the original furniture and items belonging to Mr. Douglass.The tour is about is 1 hour including a 17 min. video of the life and times of Mr. Douglass.If you have a group of 10 or less you do not need a reservation. You can just report to the visitor center and ask for a tour. Groups of 10 or more must make a group reservation with the park service. To reserve a group reservation you must go to http://www.recreation.gov/ and click on tours. A list of tours will pop up and just pick the Frederick Douglass house.The Frederick House is a historic land mark in the nations capitol. The neighborhood in which the house sits in one in transition. The best way of getting to the house is by car or a private bus.Metro subway is a few blocks away from the house and Metro bus drops you right at the door. It is when you leave you might have a problem getting back on the bus because the bus stop is several blocks away.

The best part of the tour is the narration of the park rangers. The rangers have a wealth of interesting facts and stories. I have been to the house many times and each visit I come way with something new. I am impressed with Paul a park ranger. Paul is full of details and stories. Paul will have you leaving the house wanting more. Paul will tell you stories that will have you saying "I did not know that".

If you are in Washington DC for the opening of the King Memorial then stopping at the Frederick Douglass home is a must.