Sixteenth Street Historic District, National Historic District in Northwest Washington DC, United States.
The Sixteenth Street Historic District is a neighborhood in Northwest Washington that stretches along 16th Street NW from H Street to Florida Avenue. It contains a diverse collection of residential buildings, embassies, and religious sites spread across more than 140 structures.
The area experienced explosive growth after the Civil War when 16th Street transformed into a wealthy residential neighborhood. By the 1890s it had become one of Washington's most desirable addresses, where city planners and wealthy families built their homes.
The street takes its name from Washington's grid system and became a showcase for diplomatic missions that continue to define its character today. Embassies and religious buildings stand alongside private residences, creating a mix of public and private spaces that defines the neighborhood.
The neighborhood sits between Lafayette Square near the White House and Meridian Hill Park, making it ideal for walking tours. The area is easy to navigate on foot, and visitors can view the architecture from street level, with many buildings visible and accessible from public walkways.
A wealthy widow named Mary Foote Henderson wanted to reshape the area according to her own vision, leaving her mark on the neighborhood starting around 1900. Her influence set a high standard for Beaux-Arts and neoclassical designs that you can still see today while walking the streets.
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