Brookland: Washington DC’s Little Rome, Washington D.C., USA

Brookland is a Washington D.C. neighborhood christened “Little Rome.” It earned this moniker decades ago because the Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception are located here.

But the neighborhood is actually named after Colonel Jehiel Brooks who owned a farm here in the 19th century. After his death in 1886, developers began building homes. There are excellent examples of Queen Anne architecture that date back to the 1890s.

With its wide streets, open spaces, century-old residences, and kids riding bikes, Brookland could be mistaken for a town in the suburbs. But the neighborhood is located less than four miles from the U.S. Capitol (via North Capitol St NW).

I wanted to learn more about this neighborhood’s historic homes and famous residents, just as I have written about Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and 16th Street NW in DC. So I booked a walking tour with Washington Walks. My guide was Martin, a retired economist who is a member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC, and a certified National Cathedral guide.

We meet at 901 Newton Street NE. Today it is the home of the Public Access Corporation for the District of Columbia (aka DCTV). But Colonel Brooks originally built the mansion for his family. The elegant white home features a large lawn. The Brookland Metro parking lot is across the street so it is a good location to begin a tour. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).