U Street: Building Black Broadway

Tour Overview

Once known as Washington’s “Black Broadway,” U Street has long been the cultural and civic heart of the District’s Black community. The neighborhood, developed by and for a segregated population, fostered a flourishing, self-sustaining community rich in architecture, music, and panache. Legendary performers like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Cab Calloway once graced its stages. At the same time, local Black architects designed churches, offices, and homes that still shape the neighborhood’s character today.

On this walking tour traces, we trace U Street’s layered history through its built environment—from the Civil War to the Harlem Renaissance of DC, through the upheaval of the 1968 riots, and into today’s evolving story of change, resilience, and community.

What We’ll See

We begin at the African American Civil War Memorial, honoring more than 200,000 Black soldiers who fought for the Union. From there, we head west along U Street, once lined with glamorous theaters, clubs, and cultural institutions that earned it the nickname, “Black Broadway.” Along the way, we’ll explore the contributions of Black architects, business owners, and civic leaders who shaped this thriving neighborhood amid segregation, with stops at community cornerstones like Lee’s Flower Shop and the Industrial Savings Bank.

Turning onto quieter residential blocks, we’ll trace the evolution of DC’s iconic rowhouses from modest post-Civil War homes to early 20th-century expansions. We’ll stop outside the childhood home of Duke Ellington and the historic Whitelaw Hotel, a beacon of Black hospitality during the Jim Crow era. Back on the main drag we’ll admire the stunning Lincoln Theatre and stop outside the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Finally, we veer off U Street, passing the city’s oldest Black Catholic church as we make our way to Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, a striking green space and longtime community hub. Here, we explore its role as a demographic boundary, its ties to urban renewal, civil rights-era activism, and the ongoing forces shaping the U Street corridor today.

Tour Highlights

• African American Civil War Memorial
• Prince Hall Masonic Temple
• Lee’s Flower Shop
• Bohemian Caverns
• Industrial Savings Bank
• 12th Street YMCA
• Duke Ellington’s childhood home
• Whitelaw Hotel
• Lincoln Theater
• Ben’s Chili Bowl
• Saint Augustine Church
• Malcolm X Park

Private & Group Tours

Private tours are available any day and time, and for groups of all sizes—from solo travelers and families to a full bus load! Check our private bookings calendar to reserve a walking tour for groups of up to twelve people. For times not listed online, groups larger than twelve, driving tours, or custom itineraries, please get in touch and we’ll help plan the perfect tour.

Where to Meet

Find your guide at the African American Civil War Memorial, at the corner of U Street and Vermont Avenue NW, across the street from the African American Civil War Memorial Museum.
GPS Address: 1925 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Your tour concludes in Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park near the corner of 15th Street and W Street NW.