"The Hill," originally known as Jenkins Hill in the 18th century, was viewed by DC designer Pierre L'Enfant as a fitting pedestal for the Congress. Thus, the Capitol was built atop this hill, which now – looking westward - majestically surveys much of the federal city and the National Mall. To the east, the Capitol is surrounded by the neighborhood that proudly bears its name, Capitol Hill.

The Capitol Hill Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and was expanded in 1992. It includes over 8,000 buildings. Most of the primary buildings date from the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries, though many were built in the period between the 1820s and the end of the Civil War. Their architectural styles range from the Federal Period forward, with particular representation in the late Victorian era. For more information please view the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s website – www.chrs.org.

Primary Capitol Hill Neighborhoods

• Barracks Row
• Mass. Ave.
• NE Corridor
• Eastern Market
• Southwest Waterfront
• H Street

Historic Barracks Row,located on 8 th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and M Street, SE,is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. It is a commercially vibrant area of Capitol Hill with 152 businesses thriving in this busy part of the federal city – including restaurants, outdoor cafes, shops, theatres and so much more. The Tour of Duty Heritage Trail is a self-guided tour, interpreting the history of 8 th Street, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, the south side of Capitol Hill and the Eastern Market. Follow the trail on your own or with the help of a tour brochure, available at various locations. Marine Barracks Washington is located in the heart of Barracks Row and offers free performances every Friday night from May through August. Reservations are recommended. Navy Yard is located on the south end of Barracks Row. Public entrance is at the 9 th and M Streets Gate. The Navy Museum holds a large collection of maritime history and artifacts. Don’t miss the self-guided tour of the U.S.S. Barry too. Public entrance is located at 11 th and O Streets, SE. The Eastern Market, the last of Washington’s 19 th century markets to remain in continuous operation, was built in 1873 and designed by architect Adolf Cluss. This commercial and neighborhood hub is open Tuesday through Sunday, with the Outdoor Flea Market open Saturdays and Sundays.

A guided tour of the Hill neighborhood is available twice a month on the second and fourth Saturdays from April through October. Go to www.washingtonwalks.com and click on “Our Walks” for information. Tours begin at 1:30pm and cost $10 cash (age 3 and under free). Reservations are not needed. For more information visit www.barracksrow.org.

The H Street Corridor, located on H Street between 2 nd and Blandensburg Road, NE, is one of Capitol Hill’s oldest main streets. With roots from the 1900s, H Street was once the second busiest commercial corridor in Washington and hosted many centers of commerce. The city’s first car dealership opened on H Street, as did the Sears Roebuck. As a trolley line, H Street, provided access to great retailers in its heyday. Torn apart during the 1960s, H Street, like other urban corridors, suffered severe economic ruin from riots, burned-out buildings and suburban sprawl. Revival of the H Street corridor, a combined effort of community groups, developers and the city’s Main Street Program, is now underway. Revival of H Street, an important link between downtown, North East neighborhoods and suburban Maryland means job opportunities, retail access, transit improvements and more housing. Current projects include:

• Station Place: 2nd and F Streets, NE. Future 1.6 million sq. ft. home of the Securities and Exchange Commission
  
• Burnham Place: A large-scale mixed-use office and hotel project that utilizes the air rights to the north of H Street over the rail yard
  
• Union Square III: The final building of the Union Square complex will consist of 12 stories
  
• Atlas Performing Arts Center: The redevelopment and restoration of the historic Atlas Theater will include two stages, retail space, classrooms, and Joy of Motion dance studio.