Meridian Hill Park (Malcom X Park)

Malcolm Hill Park, known also as Malcolm X Park, is located in Columbia Heights in Washington, DC. This park has a total area of around 12 acres and is maintained by the National Park Service. It is sometimes considered a division of Rock Creek Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History of Malcolm X Park

A mansion was erected on these grounds in 1819 by a man named John Porter. Once a part of Columbia College, the grounds were incorporated into an urban park in 1914 after the Department of the Interior hired architect George Burnap to design a park similar to those found in European cities. The park was completed in 1936 after 20 years of construction. In the 1970s, the park suffered a period when it was considered unsafe due to unsavory characters who made it a haven for drug dealers. A local group organized a cleanup of the park and restored it to its past glory.

Attractions

Visitors to the park can enjoy several attractions. The fountains in the formal garden are known for their elaborate system of pumps, which supply water to all three levels. There are also statues of Joan of Arc and Dante, as well as a memorial to President James Buchanan.

Urban parks in Washington, DC, are home to many unique statues and attractions. Those who wish to experience history in the nation's capital should not overlook Malcolm Hill Park as a destination. The statues and fountain provide a sparkling diversion for visitors.