Washington DC's Logan Circle neighborhood fairly teems with charm, character and amenities. From a prime location in between two other historic neighborhoods -- as well as containing tons of history itself -- diverse architecture and lots of things to do, Logan Circle real estate has everything you could ask for -- and more. One thing is certain: you will never be bored in this vintage yet hip neighborhood. A glitch in your plans could be that you do not know where to start when it comes to exploring Logan Circle. This guide, while not able to include everything this smart and beautiful little neighborhood has to offer, can give you an idea of the diversity that you will find within its boundaries.
Nestled in between the neighborhoods of Shaw and Dupont Circle, both history-infused neighborhood in their own right, Logan Circle has numerous buildings, properties and structures that have found a place for themselves on the National Register of Historic Places. This includes entire sections of the neighborhood including the 14th Street District, the U Street Corridor and the Logan Circle portion -- from whence the neighborhood obtained its name. Mary McLeod Bethune's former home, located a block south from the circle, now houses the National Archive for Black Women's History as well as the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Museum. She was a famed author, civil right activist and educator. The residence she called home can be found at 1318 Vermont Avenue NW. In addition to the numerous properties in Logan Circle that have been named to the National Register of Historic Places, there are many more that have simply not made it there yet. These include the former homes of Washington DC's first African-American architect, John A. Lankford and the first African-American woman to obtain a bachelor degree, Mary Jane Patterson. Another historic residence in which a pivotal figure lived is the former home of Alain LeRoy Locke. In addition to being a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Locke was the first Rhodes Scholar who was also African-American.
If you really want to get to know what Logan Circle has to offer, you need to take the time to thoroughly explore its bustling, vibrant and ever-changing 14th St Corridor. The main artery through Logan Circle has been a steady presence throughout the neighborhood's history. The site of one of the earliest streetcar lines through Washington DC when it was installed at some point during the 1880s, business boomed and the neighborhood flourished upon its arrival. For nearly 80 years, 14th Street enjoyed being the site of a thriving arts district that spawn some Renaissance-era residents. In spite of a significant downturn of the area after rioting hit the capital city in 1968, 14th Street managed to make a comeback. Though the historic area was home to some of the seedier establishments and was often known as the "red light district," through the tireless efforts of community members, the 14th Street corridor revitalized. Today, it is home to a staggering array of dining, shopping and entertainment experiences.
A Fitting Tribute: The Logan Circle Heritage Trail is a leisurely 1.5 mile throughout Logan Circle. A series of vivid, poster-sized signs dot the neighborhood and tell the story of how Logan Circle came to be. From its humble beginnings as undeveloped farmland to its rise as the seat of African-American culture, these mesmerizing slices of the neighborhood's history tell its story so that you feel like you are living it. With a nod to Logan Circle's devastation at the hands of rioters and a celebration of today where Logan Circle real estate is some of the most prized in the entire city, this display both honors the unique diversity of Logan Circle and gives the neighborhood's newest residents a crash course on their new home. Able to be completed in about two hours while walking at a relaxed pace, A Fitting Tribute: The Logan Circle Heritage Trail enables you to see parts of your new neighborhood that you might otherwise have missed. It is a must-see for both new homeowners and those who have lived in Logan Circle their entire lives. Logan Circle has a pleasant mixture of new and vintage architecture and plenty of history to go around. Yet it is still within walking distance of Whole Foods and lots of other shopping options, and gives you the ability to get anyway else in the city easily by virtue of the plethora of Metro lines that are located within the neighborhoods nearby. Don't want to take the Metro? A number of bus routes make their way through Logan Circle as well. This neighborhood is one of DC's best-kept secrets, but it will not stay that way for very long.
