Early and Industrial Georgetown

The port of Georgetown was founded in 1751. Established 40 years prior to the decision to make Washington, DC the nation's capital, Georgetown is the city's oldest neighborhood. Throughout much of its history, Georgetown was a mixed-use commercial and industrial center, surrounded by housing for residents of all income levels.

In the mid-18th century, Georgetown was little more than a trading post where tobacco farmers sold their crops. The Revolutionary War changed the town into a depot for the collection and shipment of military supplies. The war sparked the beginning of Georgetown's industrial heritage, when the town helped manufacture arms. By 1789, Georgetown's waterfront was spotted with textile mills, paper factories, and flour mills.

Congress granted a charter to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company to build a canal from the tidewater of Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland in 1835. After a series of floods made the canal unusable, Georgetown's economy pivoted towards industry. Wide-scale industrialization changed the appearance of Georgetown permanently. The waterfront was specked with large saw mills, iron furnaces, foundries, and flour mills. Remnants of the Pioneer Cotton Company factory and rendering plant endure today.

By the late 20th century, the neighborhood shifted from a primarily industrial economy to a commercial one. Yet reminders of its rich early and industrial past remain. Follow this tour to learn about some of them.

This walking tour covers 1.6 miles and will take approximately 50 minutes to complete.