Park News U.S. Department of the Interior

The offi cial newspaper of The Respite Winter 2007

Winter in Rock Creek Park WINTER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. MANY PEOPLE TRAVEL TO Welcome from the warmer climates seeking milder temperatures and more sun- shine during the winter months. For the rest of us, winter Superintendent provides an opportunity to appreciate nature in all of her seasonal splendor. In Washington D.C., specifi cally Rock Rock Creek Park is a unique urban oasis in our nation’s capital. It offers Creek Park, winter is a chance to see the landscape around us visitors the opportunity to relax and without the camoufl age of foliage. Nature reveals Rock Creek refl ect. It is a respite from the every- Park’s best kept secrets in the winter. day. Whether you spent your child- hood wandering through these woods When it snows, animal tracks are seen on freshly fallen pre- or this is your fi rst visit to the park, you cipitation. To the exploring spirit, these tracks reveal the path will fi nd something that brings a smile to dens and nests that uncover the homes of park residents to your face and peace to your heart. who are often seen during other seasons. Hiking and biking on the park trails The land in winter is exposed - not a full exposure but a tan- are one of the more popular recre- talizing glint revealing our history and heritage. The Rock Deer at Rock Creek Park near the Nature Center ational activities. Some of these trails Creek Valley shows off the land that once served as host to were originally designed for horseback riding and many of them also offer local farms, mills, homesteads, Native American quarries, and scenic views of the forest and the a Civil War battle. The trained eye can read the land much creek. Rock Creek Park also has much like our ancestors and see its past use and the need for future to offer if you are interested in history. preservation. Wander through the civil war sites at Fort DeRussey and Fort Stevens (the On a cold windy day, a walk in the forest provides the oppor- only Washington fort that saw battle tunity to listen to the leaves rustle and trees squeak and moan, during the civil war), or visit one of the almost singing as they sway back and forth trying to keep time oldest standing structure in the District with nature’s winter symphony. Occasionally animals chime of Columbia, the Old Stone House in in on the chorus. The shrill call of a hawk, the mew of the Georgetown. deer, the chattering of squirrels all can be heard in the refrain of the forest on just the right winter’s day. Rock Creek Park is part of the Na- tional Park Service and, like all national parks, our mission is to preserve our Icy-sleeting days create the prospect of a demonstration of natural and cultural resources not the artistry of nature. Icicles left after a winter storm refract just for today but for generations to the light and distort the colors of the sun. This play of light follow. You can help us protect these and color can be seen on the side of historic buildings, as well areas by enjoying your experiences as on majestic trees, causing the imagination to recall brush in the park, by taking only pictures strokes of artists on display at the . and leaving only footprints. Enjoy the respite of Rock Creek Park. A favorite outdoor phenomenon of winter is the quiet and View looking west toward Beech Drive from Pulpit Rock Sincerely, solitude one experiences, the absence of the hum of civiliza- at Rock Creek Park tion. This off ers visitors a chance to think unobstructed by the sounds of the nation’s capital: automobiles, air planes, At the end of the day when you are snuggled on your couch and other machinery that is the life blood of commerce and sipping hot chocolate, the visions and sounds of your en- industry. counters in Rock Creek Park will lull you into a peace of Adrienne A. Coleman mind not experienced by people in warmer climates during Superintendent Most visitors experience winter in Rock Creek Park in some this time of year. These individuals miss out on a special op- form of weather dependent activity: cross country skiing, portunity located deep in the heart of the nation’s capital, a sledding, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, or jogging. chance to make a solitary personal connection to nature in These activities are all good for your health and mental well- winter on an emotional and intellectual level. being. 2. Touring African- 3. The Places of 3. Teachers Visitor Information…2 American History Rock Creek Park: Gather In Rock Public Program...3 Meridian Hill Creek Park Contact Information…3 The echoes of the African-American history Located in northwest Washington, D.C., Rock Creek Park and Bridging the Water- and individual stories of determintation, ad- is both rich in history and shed are working to restore the ancient Memorable Trees of Rock Creek Park…4 versity, and success resound throughout Rock inspiring for its landscape architecture. breeding grounds of migrating fi sh such Creek Park. Read about several examples as the herring and shad. Learn how of African-American contributions to the teachers are participating in this project cultural history of Rock Creek Park. and educating the students about the “Herring Highway.”

1 The Respite National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Touring African-American History

WHETHER TRAVELING ALONG THE ROADWAYS Freedman villages sprouted throughout or hiking along the trails, the echoes of Rock Creek Park Washington. With close inspection, African-American history and the indi- Rock Creek Park was founded in 1890 as one can still see the foundations of the vidual stories of determination, adver- one of the fi rst federal parks. When the community that was once located at sity, and success resound throughout park was established, it bordered the edge Fort Reno. Around the same time at Rock Creek Park. From the time of of the growing city and was a favorite area Fort Stevens, a young runaway slave slavery, through the Civil War, to the for rural retreat. In the establishing legisla- known only as “Billy” found safety and Civil Rights Movement, these stories are tion, Rock Creek Park would “provide for refuge inside the fort. Billy served as a an integral part of the historic fabric of the preservation from injury or spoliation servant to several of the soldiers of Fort the park. of all timber, animals, or curiosities within Stevens and even considered enlisting said park, and their retention in their natural into Washington, D.C.’s black regi- Considered as part of the southern por- condition, as nearly as possible.” ments. Unfortunately, it is not known if tion of the United States, Washington, Billy ever enlisted to fi ght the war to end D.C., was a slave-owning community. Staff slavery. The enslaved Africans in Washington Superintendent primarily were used for both hard labor Adrienne A. Coleman At the end of the Civil War, small com- and domesticated chores. One enslaved munities grew and fl ourished around African, known as Tabitha, purchased Assistant Superintendent Rock Creek. The community of Her- her and her infant child’s freedom from Cynthia Cox ring Hill, which dates back to the Colo- Photo of Elizabeth Thomas, also known as Aunt Mary Smith Brumley in the 1820s for the nial days, grew, prospered, and became Betty, a free black woman who owned the land sum of $201. For other slaves it would where Fort Stevens was built. Chief of Interpretation a self-suffi cient, self-sustaining neigh- take an act of the Federal government borhood. Looking out from Herring Perry Wheelock used public lands for rallies, sit-ins, and and a Civil War to gain their freedom. Hill onto the Rock Creek Parkway, one protests. Meridian Hill Park was one of Supervisory Ranger can imagine the scores of families utiliz- With the outbreak of the Civil War, the places used to bring solidarity and a Dwight Madison ing the creek. Washington, D.C., hastily created over guiding light through the storm of racial inequality. Over forty years later, many 150 earthwork fortifi cations and bat- With the creation of Rock Creek Park Education Specialist locals in the neighborhood of Meridian teries to defend the city. Both free in 1890, city residents and visitors of all Maggie Zadorozny Hill Park still regard the park as “Mal- blacks and slaves were used in the forts nationalities fl ocked to the park to es- construction to make the federal city colm X Park” in acknowledgement of Contributing Park Rangers cape the hustle and bustle of urban life. impregnable from attack. Elizabeth the slain civil rights leader. Jessica Kusky During the early 1900s, Hattie Sewell, an Thomas, (a free black woman who excellent cook and entrepreneur, was Ron Harvey These are just several examples of owned the land where Fort Stevens was granted a lease to use old Peirce Mill as Mary Brazell African-American contributions to the built) was promised to have her land re- a teahouse. Stripped of its water wheel turned to her and to be fi nancially com- cultural history of Rock Creek Park. Website and inner mechanisms, visitors would pensated for her loss at the end of the The stories of African-Americans and www.nps.gov/rocr sit in the mill and feast on the delicious war. Sadly, Ms. Thomas’ land was never sandwiches and refreshing drinks that their experiences in Rock Creek Park returned to her. After many decades, E-mail Ms. Sewell off ered. However, due to ra- are boundless, thought-provoking, and her family was fi nancially compensated [email protected] cial prejudice of park neighbors against inspiring. for the use of her land. Ms. Sewell’s African heritage, her lease Park Headquarters was not renewed. In 1862, with the passage of the Dis- 202-895-6000 trict of Columbia Emancipation Act, As the nation advanced into the mid- all enslaved Africans in Washington, The National Park Service cares twentieth century, racial equality and D.C., and Georgetown were freed. for the special places saved by the desegregation issues became prominent Slave owners, such as the Peirce family American people so that all may social banners. Following in the foot- who owned large tracts of land in Rock steps of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Creek Valley, were fi nancially compen- Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln sated for the loss of their “property.” Memorial, other individuals and groups

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation Special Events to Celebrate African- Nature Center & Planetarium The Nature Center is open Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. American History Month The Planetarium is open only during show times. Show time for the planetarium is Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. , Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 Night Sky to Freedom p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays Planetarium Peirce Mill In honor of African-American History Month, learn how enslaved people on the Peirce Mill is currently closed due to renovations and repairs. Peirce Barn, next to the Underground Railroad used the night sky as a compass to reach freedom. Mill, is serving as a Visitor Contact Station and Bookstore. The Peirce Barn is open Ages 7 and older. Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Old Stone House Black Georgetown Walks The Old Stone House is located at 3051 M Street in Georgetown. Eastern Na- Please contact Nature Center for times. tional Bookstore, located in the front room of the Old Stone House, is open every Old Stone House day 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Old Stone House is open to the public for tours Explore the stories of sacrifi ce, adver- Wednesday to Sunday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. For groups larger than 10, please sity, and success on this ranger-led tour call for reservations. of historic Herring Hill, a Georgetown neighborhood that holds reminders of Entrance Fees the vibrant African-American community General Admission to Rock Creek Park is FREE! that thrived in the 19th century. Ages 8 and older. Park Regulations Camping is prohibited within all park areas. All park areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artifi cial light. Visit our exhibit, “African-American All park areas are closed to swimming, wading, and bathing. Connections to an American Trea- Removing or damaging natural or cultural resources is prohibited. sure” in the Nature Center audito- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from all park areas. rium. Fires permitted only in grills or fi replaces; visitors may bring own grill and fuel in Donise Stevens portraying Elizabeth Thomas, the designated picnic areas only. free African-American landowner whose land Parking allowed only in designated parking areas. became Fort Stevens. Washing vehicles within Rock Creek Park is prohibited. Dogs must be on leash within park areas.

2 The Respite The Places of Rock Contact Information & Phone Numbers Creek: Meridian Hill Facility Address Phone

Meridian Hill Park is located in north- the original District of Columbia mile- Nature Center 5200 Glover Road, NW 202-895-6070 west Washington, D.C., and is bordered stone marker. It was to this mansion by 16th, Euclid, 15th, and W Streets. that John Quincy Adams moved when This 12-acre Renaissance and Italian he left the in 1829. During Pierce Mill Beach Drive and Tilden Street 202-282-6012 garden-inspired site was designated the years of the Civil War, Union troops a National Historic Landmark in the encamped on the park grounds. Old Stone House 3051 M Street, NW 202-426-6851 Designed Landscape category in 1994, as “an outstanding accomplishment of Today while visiting the park, you can early 20th-century Neoclassicist park see a variety of statues and a beautiful Carter Barron Amphitheatre 16th Street and Colorado Ave. 202-426-0486 design in the United States.” European-style landscape. The large cascading fountain is one of the largest 202-333-9543 Thompson Boat Center 2900 Virgina Ave, NW 202-333-4861 Construction of the park began in 1914, fountains in North America. You can but was not fi nished until 1936. In 1933 also view the memorial to President the grounds were given to the National James Buchanan and the statues of Rock Creek Horse Center 5100 Glover Road, NW 202-362-0117 Park Service. However, the park’s his- Dante, considered one of the greatest tory predates its construction. In 1819, historical fi ction writers, Joan of Arc, 202-673-7646 Tennis Center 3149 16th Street, NW 202-673-7647 John Porter erected a mansion on the and . grounds and called it “Meridian Hill” because it was on the exact longitude of U.S. Park Police 1800 Beach Drive 202-426-6710

Public Programs Young Planetarium Nature Walks 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays Please Contact Nature Center for lo- Planetarium cation and times. This introduction to the night sky Experience the diverse natural and for the youngest of astronomers is a geological features of Rock Creek Park shortened version of our Night Sky on this ranger-led hike. Distances and Planetarium Program. Ages 2 to 10. ability level vary for each hike. Ages 7 and older. Winter Night Sky 1:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays Historical Hikes Planetarium Please Contact Nature Center for lo- Statue of Joan of Arc at Meridian Hill Park. Visit the only planetarium in the Na- cation and times. tional Park system and explore the Learn the cultural and historical story wonders of the night sky. View the of Rock Creek Park while strolling brightest stars, planets, and constel- along walkways and footpaths. Dis- lations and learn their stories. Ages 4 tances and ability level varies for each to 12. hike. All ages.

Exploring the Universe Peirce Mill Updates 4:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays Please Contact Nature Center for (except February) times. Planetarium Peirce Barn Join us for a series of planetarium pro- Discover what’s happening at Peirce grams exploring the universe. Topics Mill, Rock Creek’s last remaining mill. for these programs include the sun, All ages. moon, stars, planets, and other space phenomena. Ages 7 and older. Children’s Programs Please Contact Nature Center for Night Sky to Freedom location and times. 4:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays Children of all ages can join a park Teachers from the “Rock Creek: A Herring Highway” workshop sample the creek. (February only) ranger to learn about the natural and Planetarium cultural resources of Rock Creek Park. In honor of African-American History Programs are designed to be interac- Teachers Gather In Month, learn how enslaved people on tive, so children can play as they learn. the Underground Railroad used the Program topics vary. All ages. night sky as a compass to reach free- Rock Creek Park dom. Ages 7 and older. Black Georgetown Walks Please contact Nature Center for On Saturday September 16th, metro- Beginning this October, you might have Creature Feature times. politan area high school science teach- seen high school students and educa- 4:00 p.m. Fridays Old Stone House ers participated in the very fi rst “Rock tors along Rock Creek during scheduled Nature Center Explore the stories of sacrifi ce, ad- Creek: A Herring Highway” teacher fi eld-studies. The students collected Get acquainted with the Nature versity, and success on this ranger- workshop. This workshop debuted the data to see if the creek is hospitable to Center’s live animals and assist a park led tour of historic Herring Hill, a new module especially created for Rock herring on that particular day and to ranger in their feeding. Please note: Georgetown neighborhood that holds Creek Park in the high school educa- fi nd indications of what fi sh are in the Houdina, a red corn snake, is fed a live reminders of the vibrant African- tion program, Bridging the Watershed. creek. The BIG question is, Will herring mouse every two weeks. All ages. American community that thrived in Migratory river herring are not unique swim upstream this spring to spawn and the 19th century. Ages 8 and older. to Rock Creek. Many creeks within the will they use the Denil fi shway built to Bicycle Rides Chesapeake Bay watershed host herring allow them to pass the Peirce Mill dam? Please Contact Nature Center for lo- Park Clean-ups runs during the spring. What makes the Only time will tell. So, we’ll keep our cation and times. Please Contact Nature Center for lo- Rock Creek story diff erent and intrigu- eyes on the creek and await the coming Join a park ranger for a bike ride cation and times. ing is the fact that barriers to fi sh pas- of spring. through Rock Creek Park and learn Assist park rangers in keeping Rock sage have been removed, thanks to the about the diff erent bike trails in Rock Creek beautiful by picking up trash. Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. This Creek and Washington, D.C. Bring All ages. work was done to restore the herring’s your own bike, helmet, and water. ancient breeding ground from the Ages 8 and up. Please contact the Nature Center at District of Columbia to Montgomery 505-895-6070 or visit the Rock County, Maryland, the 33-mile length of Creek Park website at www.nps. Rock Creek. gov/rocr for a complete list of activi- ties and programs available.

The Respite 3 National Park Service First Class Mail U.S. Department of the Interior Postage and Fees P A I D Rock Creek Park Washington, D.C. 3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW Permit Number 1441 Washington, D.C. 20008

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™

Join Us in Sharing Your “Memorable Trees of Rock Creek Park”

Rock Creek Park invites you to partake in the quest of celebrating the beauty of the park’s natural elements-specifi cally, trees through the expression of art. So grab your camera, or paint brushes, pen- cils, and canvas and head out into the park! Use your artistic talent to capture the beauty and essence of Rock Creek Park trees that are meaningful to you. We’re not just looking for the largest tree(s), but also those trees that are noteworthy for their beauty, age, history, community signifi cance, or for any other reason that is relevant to the artist.

Send us your framed photographs, paintings, or drawings of the tree(s) along with an essay of 300 words or less telling why the selected tree(s) have signifi cant meaning for you. Your framed submission should be no larger than 18” x 24”.

Your choice of trees can be from Rock Creek Park proper or any of the other areas in Washington, D.C., administered by Rock Creek Park, including Palisades Park, Glover Archbold Park, Whitehaven Park, Battery Kemble Park, Fort Reno Park, Soapstone Valley Park, Little Forest Park, Fort Stevens Park, Battleground National Cemetery, Meridian Hill Park, Old Stone House, Francis Scott Key Memorial, Dumbarton Oaks, Park, , Normanstone Parkway, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Klingle Valley Park, Melvin Hazen Park, , Fort Bayard Park, Fort Slocum Park, or Fort Totten Park.

This exhibit is open to visitors of all ages. Entries must be hand delivered to the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium by close of business March 16, 2008.

Visitors whose images are chosen from the entries will be invited to attend the opening exhibit and re- ception the evening of April 6, 2008.

All visitors whose images are chosen will receive a copy of Remarkable Trees of the World by Thomas Pakenham.

All submitted images and essays can be picked up by participants at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium after July 5, 2008. One of the many beautiful and inspiring trees found along Rock Creek. For more information, visit our website: www.nps.gov/rocr or call (202) 895-6070.

4 The Respite