historic walking tour of georgetown

Travel through time on our Georgetown walking tour

To put it simply, a walk through Washington’s tony Georgetown neighborhood is a venture through time — of 200-year-old mansions and their eccentric owners, of fortunes in trade won and lost, of marvelous architecture from Federal to Victorian, of the once-bustling freedman community Herring Hill , of political intrigue, of green preservation and urban renewal.

"The Georgetown Set"

And, of course, no one can mention Georgetown without the Kennedys. In the 1950s John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline almost single-handedly turned the neighborhood into the city’s politically fashionable place to live. We’ll point out the houses of the movers and shakers, as well as the remarkable historic properties here that are open to the public.

Charming storefronts, intimate cafes

This two-hour, two-mile tour winds up in Georgetown’s shopping and restaurant district just in time for lunch. Or if you’re on a roll, we can point you to the C&O Canal , the historic and bucolic waterway. (Be prepared to climb a hill or two.)

Is Georgetown part of D.C.?

Since 1871, Georgetown has officially been incorporated into Washington, D.C.  But its establishment as a tobacco port along the Potomac River predates the founding of the nation's capital by 40 years. Georgetown was founded in 1751, Washington, D.C. in 1791. That makes it one of oldest neighborhoods in the city!

Reviewers of this Washington, D.C. walking tour said:

"The walk was a wonderful combination of history and architecture. I've lived in the DC area for more than 40 years, and I still came away with lots of new information. Thoroughly enjoyable ." — TripAdvisor reviewer

Explore more Washington, D.C. walks : Georgetown Waterfront and Georgetown Waterfront GLOW

CHERYL  grew up in the D.C. area and has seen Washington change a great deal over the years.  Having traveled nationally for her work and internationally for fun, she still thinks D.C. is one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

DAVID  traces his love of history to having grown up next to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a recreated mid-19th century living history village on Long Island. He moved to the D.C. area in 2003 following a stint as a park ranger at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York City.

PAUL  is a journalist, history buff, actor, and former radio newscaster who has lived in the Washington area for 26 years and still discovers something new every week.

Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on April 7, April 21, May 26, November 3, November 10, November 17, November 24, 2024

Also available for private and group bookings. Please email [email protected] for more information.

$35 per person for public tours. 

Please email us for a private or group tour quote.

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Historic Georgetown Tour

Explore the history of DC’s exclusive Georgetown neighborhood, home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world-class university.

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages • Free under 5
• Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 Hours
• Info Distance: 2 Miles

Founded fifty years before the federal capital of Washington, DC, Georgetown got its start as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River, described by Abigail Adams as a “dirty little hole.” Despite very modest beginnings, this neighborhood eventually came to have some of the most expensive and desirable property in the District.

On a 2.5-hour guided walking tour, we start near the picturesque Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, then visit the nearby unassuming Old Stone House—the oldest structure in DC. Then we’ll head north away from the popular shopping district and into the manicured residential neighborhood, home to the Newton D. Baker House, once occupied by former first lady Jackie Kennedy, Alexander Graham Bell’s Volta Laboratory, a hidden historic alley, and the world-class Georgetown University. Near the end of the tour, we’ll take a stroll down the steep steps made famous by the 1973 film The Exorcist—a must-see for film history buffs.

Historic Georgetown Tour Sights and Stops:

• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
• Old Stone House
• Newton D. Baker House
• Miss Lydia’s English Seminary
• Christ Episcopal Church
• Pomander Walk
• Volta Laboratory
• Georgetown University
• Exorcist Steps
• Georgetown Waterfront

Additional booking times are available as private tours. Please visit the private bookings calendar  to take a look!

For large groups, driving tours , or custom itineraries, please contact us to book.

Frequently Asked Questions About our Historic Georgetown Tour

How strenuous is the route.

This tour route includes climbing some moderate hills and descending one set of steep steps, though there is an easier alternate route for those not comfortable. Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. The tour covers approximately 2 miles over the course of 2.5 hours.

What should I bring on the tour?

We recommend bringing bottled water and wearing sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Our tour begins at a local favorite coffee shop, Baked & Wired , if you’d like to grab a snack beforehand. Just be sure to show up a bit early, as the line can get long.

Are there bathroom stops on this tour?

There are no bathroom breaks on the tour, so please plan accordingly!

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins next to the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal near coffee shop Baked & Wired (GPS address: 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW) and ends at Georgetown Waterfront Park near 33rd and Water Street NW.

Map of the Tour Route

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Historic walking tour with our friends at DC Design Tours

The Historic Georgetown tour is operated by our friends at  DC Design Tours . Check out  Monumental Trivia at Twilight  if you’re looking for Trip Hacks DC’s signature tour.

Georgetown began as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River. Today Georgetown is home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world class University.

What’s included on this Georgetown tour?

Over the course of 2 to 2.5 hours, you will get a chance to see:

• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
• Old Stone House
• Laird-Dunlop House
• Newton D. Baker House
• Miss Lydia’s English Seminary School for Girls
• Grafton Tyler Double House
• Christ Episcopal Church
• Hyde-Addison School
• Yellow Tavern
• Pomander Walk
• Volta Laboratory
• Georgetown Preparatory School
• Georgetown University
• Georgetown Car Barn
• Cady’s Alley
• Georgetown Waterfront

When can I take this tour?

The Historic Georgetown tour runs on Sundays. 

Who is the tour guide?

This Georgetown walking tour is led by one of the guides from the  DC Design Tours  team. Check out  this video with Carolyn from DC Design Tours  to meet one of the Historic Georgetown tour guides. If you’re looking for a tour led by Rob, the founder of Trip Hacks DC,  check out his private tours .

Ready to get started?

Use the calendar below to see Georgetown tour scheduled availability and book your experience. Use the promo code  DCDESIGNHACK  for a discount! To book Historic Georgetown as a private tour,  get in touch directly with DC Design Tours .

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Local Strolls: A self-guided walking tour of Georgetown, Washington, DC

Apr 27, 2024 • 4 min read

Follow this writer's favorite walking route through Georgetown, Washington, DC © DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

Delve into Local Strolls, a series where writers reveal their favorite walks in their hometowns. Each route offers a snapshot of urban life, guiding you to lesser-known attractions and cherished local spots. Here, Alexa Moore takes us on a two-mile-long amble through the historic streets of Georgetown, Washington, DC.

Washington, DC , is not simply cherry blossoms and politics. It's a city with complex and diverse stories, expertly dissected into four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast, and at the center of it all lies the US Capitol . DC's oldest stories hide amongst the historic streets of Georgetown, in DC's Northwest. US presidents and Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor once called this place home. It was also home to an African-American community. Resident numbers have dwindled, but remnants like the First Baptist Church of Georgetown , founded by a former enslaved man, still stand firm. 

So, let's begin our walk.

Distance: Approx 2 miles Total walk time: 45 minutes at a leisurely pace

Any good stroll in DC must start with coffee. I'm the kind of gal who needs a little motivation to get my steps in, so I stop into Baked and Wired . The pink window panes beckon me into the split bakery and coffee shop. A dirty chai with house-made horchata is what I order – it's only 9am and I can't justify my usual red velvet cupcake this early in the day.

With long and slow strides, I stroll down picturesque Canal Street briefly. It's adjacent to the currently semi-barren C&O Canal , and the loveliest little brick houses juxtapose its dry, muddy banks. I resist the temptation to search for their property value on Zillow. 

I turn right to head up M St, Georgetown's famous shopping promenade. All the buildings are different hues, yet there's a subtle uniformity. The storefront windows are like portals into wild worlds of fashion I cannot afford. I pass the oldest unchanged structure in the city, the tan-colored relic aptly named the Old Stone House , built in 1765.

Approaching the intersection of M St and Wisconsin Ave, I meet my favorite golden-domed Neoclassical building. I adore how the dome's reflective golden hue brightens up Georgetown's streets. Built in the 1920s, it now operates as a PNC bank branch. My mind can't help but wonder how it shined in its heyday, so to Google I go. Turns out, even a century ago, it was still a bank , a reassuring reminder that while things evolve in the rest of DC and the wider world, things tend to stay the same in Georgetown.

I do a quick heel stretch before turning right and starting my ascent up Wisconsin Ave. If you continue this path, you'll eventually pass green areas like Book Hill Park and the Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Garden . However, on this particularly chilly (and lazy) spring day, I ditch my usual hike and swing left onto N St, gazing at the manicured gardens of homes and the ruby-red-brick sidewalks that lay below.

I find myself at 3260 N St, uncovering a slice of presidential (and very romantic) history. President John F Kennedy rented this home while running for Senate and met Jackie Onassis, the future First Lady, at a nearby Georgetown dinner party in 1952 .

Turning down 35th St, I arrive at Georgetown University's campus. I spot the controversial Transformers -decorated house and can't help but giggle. The burly machines juxtapose the manicured brick facade, and the "Robots in Disguise" are the stars of an ongoing legal battle between the homeowner and the city on whether the statues can stay.

I'm searching for something I haven't seen before – the infamous steps used in the climactic ending of the 1973 film The Exorcist . They're steep. There's something a bit eerie about this tucked-away staircase, so I use the handrails and focus carefully as I descend.

I continue this journey down through the Francis Scott Key Memorial Park , cross the Alexandria Aqueduct Bridge , and eventually find my way back to the C&O Canal Towpath . What a difference a few blocks make, as this side boasts mossy-green grass and pools of water reflecting the fluffy clouds above.

Finally, I head towards the river and my favorite sitting spot at the Georgetown Waterfront Park . I end my nearly two-mile saunter on a bench near the twisting path of the park's Labyrinth , a bit regretful that I didn't buy that red velvet cupcake after all.

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Historic Georgetown: Private Half-Day Walking Tour Private Tour

Discover Georgetown’s rich history from 18th-century homes to the C&O Canal and learn how Washington DC grew up around early settlements that still exist today.

Things to know

Categories:, private tour:, transport mode:, what's included:, what's not included:, what makes this tour special.

On this leisurely walking tour, you will be immersed in one of the most historically significant parts of Washington D.C., known for its wealth of historic buildings and graceful way of life. Delve into Georgetown's colonial and Federal period history with a private guide, who will bring to life stories of long-standing traditions, high society and world politics. On your historic Georgetown walking tour, you will:

• Stroll the cobblestone pavements and admire the historic C&O Canal ;
• Walk along tree-lined streets past some of the city's most famous homes ;
• Discover a host of iconic names that have resided in the neighbourhood - including John F and Jackie Kennedy , inventor Alexander Graham Bell , Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor , and chef Julia Child ;
• Marvel at the pre-Revolutionary buildings and admire architecture that dates from after 1800 that is preserved by the National Park Service;
• Learn about the neighbourhood’s post-Civil War flourishing African American community , its early 20th-century slump and its ascent to the it-place of DC in the 1950s;
• Learn about young JFK and see the tavern booth where he proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier;
• Stroll the historic Georgetown campus , and learn about the relationship between the school and the rest of the city.

Described as a “dirty little hole” by Abigail Adams, the former First Lady of the United States, Georgetown had humble beginnings: as a working port, on the banks of the slurry-filed Potomac River. Named after King George II, and founded in 1751, Georgetown served as a depot for the collection and shipment of military supplies during the Revolution. A textile factory, paper mill, grain stores and more flour mills were added and when the capital was established to the east, Georgetown's character became more distinct. Georgetown became renowned as a fashionable quarter of the capital, drawing visitors from all over the world and becoming part of Washington City in 1871. After the Civil War, large numbers of freed slaves migrated to Georgetown and a thriving African American community flourished, establishing businesses and neighbourhoods. However, by the 1890s, the area had undergone a drastic decline and in the aftermath of World War I, it was considered one of Washington's worst slums. However, within a generation, the trend had all but completely reversed. When a young Senator John F. Kennedy resided in the neighbourhood in the 1950s, Georgetown was the place to be and be seen. Home to world-class shopping, rich history, five-star restaurants and one of the world’s best universities - in fact, the university for anyone looking to enter a career in Washington - Georgetown is a neighbourhood that simply cannot be missed. 

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Historic georgetown tour, established fifty years before washington dc, georgetown began as a gritty port city on the banks of the potomac river, described by abigail adams as a "dirty little hole"..

Established fifty years before Washington DC, Georgetown began as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River, described by Abigail Adams as a "dirty little hole". Despite its modest start, Georgetown is now home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world class University. Explore the highlights and secrets of DC's most exclusive neighborhood while learning about Georgetown's transformation in this rags to riches tale with DC Design Tours . Sights and stops include:

• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
• Old Stone House
• Laird-Dunlop House
• Newton D. Baker House
• Miss Lydia's English Seminary School for Girls
• Grafton Tyler Double House
• Christ Episcopal Church
• Yellow Tavern
• Pomander Walk
• Volta Laboratory
• Georgetown Preparatory School
• Georgetown University
• Georgetown Car Barn
• Cady's Alley
• Georgetown Waterfront

We'll visit the unassuming oldest building in the city, a peak into back alleys, gaze down a dramatic set of famous stairs, cross the old C&O Canal, and finish up on the banks of the Potomac River at the gorgeous Georgetown Waterfront.

Our tours usually begin outside the favorite coffee/dessert shop for Georgetown locals, Baked & Wired. Grab a snack and let's go exploring! We'll start at the C&O Canal, getting an overview of the storied history of Georgetown. Then we'll peek inside the oldest building in Washington DC, before leaving the main drag to explore the neighborhood. We'll stroll along cobble stone streets, discussing the homes of movers and shakers like Jackie Kennedy and Ben Bradley. We'll see imposing mansions, stately churches, and a formerly salacious establishment, before crossing Wisconsin Avenue to the west side of town. Making our way over to Georgetown University and down the Exorcist Steps, we'll wrap up on the banks of the Potomac River at the beautiful Georgetown Waterfront.

This tour meets outside the coffee shop Baked and Wired at 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW. The tour takes 2-2.5 hours and covers approximately 2 miles. Visit www.dcdesigntours.com to learn more and sign up.

1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW Washington , DC 20007 United States

Dc design tours, (240) 229-6795, [email protected].

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• City of Georgetown

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Stroll beautiful downtown Georgetown and appreciate some of the finest Victorian architecture in the state of  Texas.

Stop by the Visitors Center at 103 W. 7th Street and pick up a map brochure to take a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Georgetown. Or, simply enjoy the restored historic buildings and landmark descriptions that describe a portion of Georgetown’s rich history.

We also have online guides available for you: Click here to see the Historic Downtown Walking Tour Guide. Click here to see the Downtown Georgetown Directory.

If you would like to arrange for a free guided tour, please call the Williamson Museum at 512-943-1670 two weeks in advance.

Historic Georgetown Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

• Professional guide
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Entrance fees (not required for tour)
• Food and drinks
• Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007, USA Tour begins at the Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown by Lock 3 between Thomas Jefferson and 30th St NW - there is a large park on the north side of the canal. Look for your guide in orange.
• Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA Tour ends near Georgetown University
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure for check-in
• Walking is approximately for 1 mile with some hills
• Operates in most weather conditions; please dress appropriately. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown Washington, DC 20007, USA Tour begins at the Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown by Lock 3 between Thomas Jefferson and 30th St NW - there is a large park on the north side of the canal. Look for your guide in orange. See address & details
• 1 Georgetown Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 C & O Canal Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Old Stone House Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 4 Martin's Tavern Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 5 Georgetown University Stop: 5 minutes See details
• You'll end at Georgetown University 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA Tour ends near Georgetown University See address & details

• Happiness36537923071 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Stunning Tour National Mall and admission tickets! We loved our time on the mall with Dc By Foot, always a great experience. It was cloudy day but our new from the Washington Monument was stunning nonetheless. If you cannot get your act together to get Washington Monumnet entry tickets, then this tour is the best walk and the easiest way to get in! Read more Written May 5, 2024
• 603vijayd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Highlights Tour Got to up the Washington Monument finally Excellent highlights tour with admission into the Washington Monument really made our trip to get that view. We had tried on our own but didn’t have luck so this tour was perfect. Friendly guide who gave us lots of helpful tips Read more Written May 5, 2024
• 148durgar 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Admission to Washington Monument a great plus This was a great morning fantastic first day in Washington for my family. Loved learning about the mall and being able to take the kids inside the Washington Monument. Must do in DC! Read more Written May 5, 2024
• ottermiss 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to spend an hour and a half It was a great tour through historic Georgetown and Georgia was a great guide. It was full of interesting facts and general history knowledge. Read more Written May 5, 2024
• garyboen 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointed Disappointing was expecting a better tour from the tour guide instead of being turned over to the Red Coats. We completed a tour with our Congressional Office was looking to build upon that Read more Written May 1, 2024
• Seaside34853260085 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Totally worth it Learned so much about the history of the city through a pleasant and enjoyable walk along some of its historic sites. Would do more of these here and elsewhere. Our guide was great. Read more Written April 27, 2024
• Eliza OWLvis A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ghosts and Georgetown = A great tour Ingeborg was fantastic. She was engaging, entertaining, educational and funny. Georgetown is stunning and full of so much history including the macabre. You can tell Ingeborg loves her city and her love of Georgetown was contagious. I would take the tour again in a heartbeat and I will absolutely recommend it to all my friends. Thank you so much Ingeborg! -Eliza from Atlanta Read more Written April 26, 2024
• Cyndi S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good tour I really enjoyed the tour and the tour guide herself. She was very informative and just plain “fun”. It was a nice walking trip and not too strenuous Read more Written April 26, 2024
• 625rajinderk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Really great tour This tour was amazing. Me and my family got to experience Booths path in which he assassinated Lincoln. I learned a lot about the assassination plan within 2 hours. Our tour guide, Rebecca explained every little detail about what happened that night. I would really recommend this tour for the people in washington. Read more Written April 26, 2024
• thepodadfamily 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour at Arlington Natl Cemetary Ingolborg (not sure of spelling) was an amazing tour guide with lots of information throughout the cemetery! And she let us linger in different places that were important to our group all while keeping us on time for the changing of the guard. We would highly recommend a tour with her! Read more Written April 23, 2024
• harrylloyd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles DC by Foot tour was great The tour was great and we got so much more out of it with a guide. Ingeborg was brilliant and answered all of our questions. Read more Written April 23, 2024
• SGeries 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super tour My wife and I had a great time on this tour. Our guide was super friendly and obviously loves her work and loves the City of Georgetown. She pointed out many well-known attractions and points of interest in addition to the spooky of one's. We highly recommend it! Read more Written April 21, 2024
• 128hoped 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Monuments by Moonlight- A highlight to our trip! This was a great tour. It covered so many of the big monuments. The nighttime views were beautiful. Our tour guide, Ingeborg, was very knowledgeable about the sites and history. You could tell that she really loves her hometown. Would highly recommend this tour. Read more Written April 19, 2024
• acperessin 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles FANTASTIC Highly recommend! Becca was our guide. She’s an amazing storyteller. She brought history to life! She held our group riveted from start to finish - including our 15, 12 and 9-year-old! Read more Written April 19, 2024
• Coastal48365485925 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour! Becca was a fabulous tour guide. Very knowledgeable, fun and very approachable! My husband is a history buff, but I am not. We both enjoyed it very much. Read more Written April 14, 2024

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Historic Georgetown: A Walking Tour (Images of America) Paperback – October 12, 1999

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 128 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Arcadia Publishing
• Publication date October 12, 1999
• Dimensions 6.5 x 0.31 x 9.25 inches
• ISBN-10 0738502391
• ISBN-13 978-0738502397
• See all details

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Through a collection of vintage photographs, the Images of America series allows readers to explore the history that makes each city, town, or state unique.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Arcadia Publishing; Illustrated edition (October 12, 1999)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0738502391
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0738502397
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.31 x 9.25 inches
• #3,206 in Running & Jogging (Books)
• #6,038 in Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides (Books)
• #7,044 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

About the author

Thomas j. carrier.

Tom Carrier has had an interest in American history ever since insisting on holding an American flag for a family portrait at about 7 years old. Born in Cleveland in 1956, he moved to Washington, DC in 1982 shortly after leaving the U.S. Army as an 82nd Airborne paratrooper. Working and living among the national capital provided a unique background to create an in depth series of walking tours that focused not only what was obvious, but also helping others to experience the history that lay undiscovered.

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Self-Guided Tour of Georgetown University

This post is a self-guided tour of Georgetown University. This is a fun way to experience Georgetown at your own leisure, although the walk is short and the whole tour is under one hour.

Our Historic Georgetown walking tour focuses on the neighborhood, ending here at Georgetown University campus. Use this as a complement to wander the historic campus after the tour!

• Things to Do in Georgetown
• Other Self-Guided Tours in Georgetown
• GPS Enabled Audio Tours

You can also take this as an Audio Tour!

Here is how it works:

• Book an Audio Tour on our Booking Page
• Receive a confirmation email with a .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s)!

Enjoy your self guided tour? Make a donation to help support the guides. You can Venmo @canden-ftbf or Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dcbyfoot

Stop a: "healy gates".

As you enter the "Healy Gates" at 37th and O St NW, the main entrance to campus, you'll see the Georgetown University seal on the gate pillars. The seal was a gift to the university by Justane Douat. She was a nurse on campus and financed the design of the seal in 1798.

The seal depicts an eagle holding a cross to represent the Jesuit tradition of the university and a globe to represent the sciences. In its mouth, the eagle holds a scroll that says "Utraque Unum" or "from both, one."

This is thought to refer to the combination of religion and education but also later to reunify the campus after the American Civil War .

Above the eagle is a lyre to represent the humanities. Surrounding the lyre are 16 stars, one for each of the States at the time, and the Latin phrase "Adripas Potomaci in Marylandia - Collegium Georgipolitanum".

This translates to "Georgetown College on the banks of the Potomac in Maryland". This is because when Georgetown was founded, there was no District of Columbia and was instead part of the State of Maryland.

During the Civil War, Union soldiers who were stationed on campus used the gatehouses you see on either side; after the First Battle of Bull Run, injured soldiers were treated wherever there was room, including at these gatehouses.

STOP B: Poulton Hall

Before you head into the quad, visit Poulton Hall further up 37th St NW. The original plan for the quad which you'll see later included Poulton Hall, but budget restrictions kept the original plan from being built.

After WWII , there were surplus building materials available and this building was completed in 1947, though outside the campus walls. It is named after Ferdinand Poulton, a founding member of the Society of Jesuits in America.

Inside is the Mask and Bauble Society. This dramatic arts group was founded in 1852 and is the oldest continuously running collegiate theatre troupe. Former members include John Barrymore and Bradley Cooper.

STOP C: History of Georgetown University

Archbishop John Carroll founded Georgetown University in 1789. Carroll was a member of a prominent family: his cousin Charles Carrol signed the Declaration of Independence and his brother Daniel Carrol helped to draft the Articles of Confederation.

They were also some of the large landowners in what later became Washington, DC.

As a young boy, John Carroll studied at a Jesuit school, Bohemian Manor in Maryland, but there was no Jesuit university in America. He continued his studied in Europe and was part of the movement to create more of a Jesuit presence in the United States.

He was named the first archbishop in America as the Archbishop of Baltimore and was given the task to create this school.

He was given a choice in where to locate the campus, either Jenkins Hill or here on Georgetown Heights. He said Jenkins Hill was too far out in the country, which is ironic because what was Jenkins Hill is today called Capitol Hill , the literal center of the city.

Georgetown is the oldest Catholic university in America. At the time of its founding, other universities had a more Anglican focus and it is said that Catholics were not welcome.

The founding of the university began quietly as there was still persecution of the Jesuits, but Congress awarded the university a charter in 1815.

Today, Georgetown University has over 19,000 students enrolled. Tuition to the college is around $75,000 per year with room and board. It has a mere 15% acceptance rate.

STOP D: White-Gravenor Hall

White-Gravenor Hall is named after two Jesuit priests, Andrew White and John Gravenor, who landed in Maryland in 1634 to establish a colony to educate the natives. Above the door of this 1932 building is carved the date 1634, which led the way for a Catholic university, and 1789, the actual founding of Georgetown.

Directly above the door are the five shields symbolizing academies founded by the Jesuits in Maryland, including Georgetown Heights - the academy founded by John Carroll here.

Often called a "sermon in stone" for the vast amount of religious symbolism, there are 14 symbols of academic fields accompanied by the name of Jesuit priest prominent in that study. Francisco Suarez and the lamp of learning, for example, represent philosophy.

STOP E: St. Ignatius of Loyola Statue

At the entrance of the building is a bronze statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola called "The Pilgrim." St. Ignatius is the founder of the Jesuits in 1540 in Manresa, Spain. He was a soldier who recovered from injury in a monastery and was inspired to create an order of teaching and missionaries.

STOP F: Jesuit Community Cemetery

In the middle of campus you'll find the resting place of over 350 priests. Sixteen of these are former presidents, including Patrick Healy, for whom the flagship building of campus is named .

The cemetery was founded in 1808 with the burial of Thomas Kelly, S.J. close to what is now the southern end of Healy Hall. However, in 1854 Kelly and 46 other graves were moved to this lo cation due to construction on campus, namely a dormitory that didn't want a graveyard next door. The cemetery is exclusive to Jesuits.

On many of these headstones, you'll see IHS. This is the romanization of the first three letters of Jesus' name in Greek.

STOP G: Copley Crypt

This is the Copley Crypt, where Jesuit fathers would lie for wake before being buried in the Jesuit Cemetery behind you. The chapel was built in 1932 and is dedicated to Jesuit missionaries who were martyred in the mid 17th century in what is modern-day Ontario.

The crypt is beneath St. William Chapel in Copley residence hall, the 1932 building you're now standing behind. The Chapel was built in the dorm to help students meet their mass requirements.

In the early years of the school, daily mass attendance was required of all students to graduate regardless of their personal faith.

Today it is used for many orthodox Christian services, apparent by the Icons of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox worship. The stained glass windows depict each of the eight martyred Jesuits for whom the crypt is dedicated. It is open to the public.

STOP H: Stone Carver's Work

As you make your way around the back of Dahlgren Chapel, pause to find a small gargoyle carved along the gutter. Legend says a stone carver was making his way through the area and volunteered his services to show his skill.

Though the artwork is superb, he must not have been commissioned for more carving since this is his only piece.

STOP I: Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart

Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart has been the main chapel of the university since 1893. It was funded by a donation from outside the university, a gift from John and Elizabeth Dahlgren in memory of their infant son.

The iron cross hanging in the chapel is said to be parts of the Ark and the Dove sailing vessels, which brought the first Jesuit priest to Maryland.

It is often the site of baptisms, weddings, and mass but it is open to the public.

STOP J: Old North

Old North is the oldest remaining structure on campus. This quadrangle was the original land grant given to Archbishop John Carroll. Across the quad was the location of Old South (now New South). This building was constructed in 1794 as dorms but now is the School of Business.

In 1797 George Washington come to visit two of his nephews attending the university. He stood on the porch where you are standing to address the student body.

Since then, many presidents who visit Georgetown choose this spot for speeches. They are listed on a plaque to the right of the door. (There is a gap in visiting presidents from 1868-1983, the reason unknown).

To the left of the door, a small plaque details the story of the Georgetown University colors. As the Civil War loomed, Georgetown was mostly students from wealthy Southern farmers but the faculty was mostly from the North.

These boys and men would leave school to fight for both the Union and Confederacy. From 1859 to1861 the student body population decreased from 313 to 17. 80% of the students fought for the South.

When the students and faculty returned, the Georgetown University rowing club adopted grey for the Confederacy and blue for the Union. These two colors have remained the official colors since.

STOP K: Healy Hall

Healy Hall is the most iconic structure on campus. It was completed in 1879 and named for President Patrick Healy. Healy is thought of as the second founder. After the loss of student body during the Civil War, Healy is credited with a revival in bringing students back to Georgetown.

He was born legally enslaved like his mother, but was raised by both his mother and his white father in a very loving household. Despite his mixed race, he earned a Ph.D., though he had to go to Europe to do so, and became the president of a predominately white university - the first man of African descent to do so - and all in 1873.

The building is home to Riggs Library, one of the few remaining cast-iron libraries. It houses over 35,000 volumes but is no longer a working student or public library.

Gaston Hall is the jewel of the building but was not completed until 1909 due to the unexpected expenses of building the rest of Healy Hall. The 750-seat auditorium is named after William Gaston, the university's first student at the age of 13 and also it's first drop-out.

Healy Hall was both classrooms and dorms; it even had a ratskeller in the basement where beers were .43c! Today it is classrooms and offices. You'll also find public restrooms in this final stop.

STOP L: Be Careful!

As you exit the building - be careful! On the stoop outside the door, you will see the Georgetown University seal. Don't step on it - it's cursed! Legend says that if you step on it and you're applying, you won't get in. If you go here, you won't graduate.

This story has been around for so many decades there is a large crack down the center of the seal from the weight of thousands of footsteps walking down either side.

Much of the tour route and information is based on a tour from Deirdre Manger, Georgetown alum and Washington DC Tour Guide

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About The Author

Canden Arciniega

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

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