Anacostia
In the 1850s, America was heading toward a deadly confrontation between free and slave states. To promote unity between the North and the South, this area in Southeast DC. was initially named Uniontown. It was a White suburban community at the time. After the Uncivil War, new towns called Uniontown started cropping up all over, creating confusion for services like mail delivery. To ease the confusion, Congress enacted legislation to change the name to Anacostia on April 22, 1886, making Anacostia the only community whose name was affixed by Congress. The name Anacostia was derived from a Native American word meaning "village trading center."
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Did You Know?
Susie King Taylor
Susie King Taylor, celebrated as the first African American Army nurse, served over three years with the 33rd U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. Though officially listed as a laundress, she provided critical nursing care and taught soldiers, children, and adults to read.
Did You Know?
Doug Williams: Star Quarterback
Doug Williams was the 17th pick in Round One of the NFL Draft — and the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl.
He was also the first Black quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP.
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