Bloomingdale

Located just outside L'Enfant's original boundaries of the city and just under two miles from the Capitol building, Bloomingdale is the perfect neighborhood for that 'suburbs in the City' feel (not to be confused with the hoity toity upscale department store of a similar name). Bloomingdale got a bit of a later start than the rest of the City. While there has been development of the land in some form since the 1820s, it is in the late 1870s and around the turn of the century that Bloomingdale really started to blossom. It initially consisted of mainly industrial buildings rather than homes. At one point, the land was even used as train yards to house the large coal-driven locamotives of the time.  Slowly but surely (an appropriate pace for a neighborhood with a rural feel), Bloomingdale began to change. After the Civil War ended in 1865, Washington DC began to experience a population boom. All of the new residents flocking to the city needed a place to live and the existing neighborhoods within the old city boundaries were starting to feel the pressure of too many people. Coming to the rescue were Bloomingdale and other neighborhoods like it just outside of L'Enfants lines. By the turn of the century schools, churches, and shops had sprung up in addition to homes in place of the cold semi-industrial landscape. Many former slaves moved to Bloomingdale and helped start the vibrancy of culture that neighborhoods like Bloomingdale, Shaw, Eckington, and LeDroit park still enjoy today.

In the early part of the 20th century, many immigrants found a welcome home in Bloomingdale. Populations of Irish, German, Jewish, and Italian immigrants added their unique flair to the existing community. With such a diverse ethnic and cultural background, it's no wonder that Bloomingdale would produce residents determined to make a difference. Samuel Gompers who, while not born in Bloomingdale, called the neighborhood home for almost 25years, founded the American Federation of Labor. It was one of the first, and the largest, organizations in the United States dedicated to worker's rights.  Ever the cradle of talent in the arts, Chita Rivera, a celebrated actress, singer, and dancer in the musical theater community was born and raised in Bloomingdale. She was the first Hispanic woman to receive a Kennedy Center Honors award and has also been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Many of DC's famous Wardman-style homes were first built in neighborhoods like Bloomingdale after Harry Wardman moved to Washington, DC in 1902.

One of the jewels of Bloomingdale is Crispus Attucks Park. But why would a park in Washington, DC be named after a man who was killed before the Revolutionary War in Boston? A good question. Attucks, an African-American man, who killed during the events of the Boston Massacre and is regarded by many as the first casualty of the Revolutionary War. The park was dedicated in his honor and in rememberance of all those who have been victims of violence.  It is a one-of-a-kind park within DC, the city doesn't own it, it is a private community park. Instead of city funding and maintenance, community volunteers and donations work to keep this park clean. And they do a fabulous job. Crispus Attucks Park has a large lawn, a smaller lawn, beautiful walkways perfect for a romantic stroll or lazy meanderings, and a memory garden, a lovely quiet spot where you can sit and enjoy the beauty that surrounds.

The last few years have seen a revitalization of Bloomingdale. The former Gage School re-opened as award winning condos. If you're a foodie, get over to Bloomingdale now! The neighborhood is an emerging hotspot for new restuarants. Big Bear Cafe



is a hit with the locals. It really is a great place with a warm community vibe and super friendly staff. They have a farmer's market open on Sundays in the summer. You're too late for it this year, but be sure to check back next year! The people of Bloomingdale love their neighborhood so much there is a community blog to keep residents and other interested parties informed on all things Bloomingdale. In addition to the blog and Crispus Attucks Park, Bloomingdale also has several other very active neighborhood organizations such as the Bloomingdale Civic Association and the Big Daddy Running Club which meets every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning. Bloomingdale residents are proud of their neighborhood, and why wouldn't they be? With its unique cultural blend and laid back feel, this tight-knit community would make anyone proud. Keep it up Bloomingdale!

Here are more pictures: