The History of Black Georgetown

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area has a diverse history. Originally a busy port for the export of tobacco, it was also the site of an active slave trade, and at one point African Americans counted as 30% of the Georgetown population. Descendants of those enslaved peoples and black free folk have lived in Georgetown for generations, but their contributions to its history do not often receive the same recognition. This tour will reveal the stories of the black citizens who made their mark on one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods.

The tour starts at 3206 O Street NW DC and ends at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, at 2501 Mill Rd. NW. There is a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet Shop for a bathroom break and refreshment.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

The gothic-style Healy Hall was built at the direction of, and named for, Georgetown University's only black President, Patrick Healy.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Pomander Walk used to be Bell's Court, owned by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell's Court was characteristic of alleyway communities throughout DC, where you had a close-knit black community.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Over 2 hours of historic information offered by an experienced guide.

Coffee and/or Tea

Options

The History of Black Georgetown

Reviews

5.00

28 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Incredibly thorough and passionately delivered tour of little known stories
874landonw,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had our tour with Katie and I had highly recommended her to my partner, having been on two other tours previously. Per usual, this did not disappoint. The tour was incredibly well-researched and thoughtfully planned and flowed as a cohesive narrative despite covering over three hundred years of history. As always, Katie was incredibly passionate about her work and her love of what she does and the stories she tells is evident. New to DC or longtime resident, you won’t be disappointed on this tour and will most certainly learn something new and enjoy the beautiful sights of Georgetown. Highly recommended!
If you think Georgetown...
Lynda L,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you think Georgetown is just the home of presidents and congress people, there's a fascinating world of new stories from the Civil War era on in this tour.
Hidden History Gen
Kathryn Y,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Katie was well read, personable with great pacing and extra pearls of information. The group in general had a wonderful friendly open atmosphere
Another fabulous tour from Off the Mall Tours!
151leighb,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Another fabulous tour from Off the Mall Tours. As a long-time DC resident, I value Katie's tours as a way to learn more about my city in a fun and engaging way. This tour took us along the back streets of Georgetown to learn about when it was a center of African American life in Washington, DC, and how that shifted over time. I went alone, as I usually do, so that I could have interesting conversations with the other tour participants.
Wonderful day in Georgetown with Ashley
McCandlessBus63,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent day out walking the streets of Georgetown, while learning about all the ways that Black Americans have contributed to this part of the city . There was a lot of walking but every stop was filled with fascinating figures whose lives composed a significant part of the history of Washington, DC. All was delivered by the warm and engaging guide, Ashley (who we found out was giving her first tour on her own and she did a wonderful job!) This was my third tour with Off the Mall (after the Punk Tour and a special Halloween tour at Oak Hill Cemetery) and this definitely won't be the last.
Eye-opening tour of Georgetown's history
alaporteDC,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Today, Georgetown is one of the poshest neighborhoods in D.C. But thanks to this eye-opening tour, I learned that it used to be a working class neighborhood, with a large Black population. Katie, the founder and our guide, knows the material inside out and makes it all super interesting!
The real DC
T C,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I'm a longtime local but still learned a lot of new things on this very informative tour. Small group and personalized - highly recommend! DC is a real city!
Wonderful experience in Georgetown!
P7414VJoliviam,May 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Katie & Ashley were truly wonderful and knowledgeable guides. I have called DC home for the last 10 years, and it was really great to learn more about the history of Georgetown and how it came to be the way it is today. Would recommend to anyone!
Black Georgetown Uncovered
Kris C,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A friend was in town for the weekend and, because she’s visited DC many times, we’re always looking for a new adventure. As a history lover who’s married to a history buff, historical tours are my favorite! I settled on the Black Georgetown Tour because I’ve heard some stories and anecdotes about Blacks in Georgetown over the years but have always wanted to learn more. Our tour guide, Katie, did a great job! We learned so much. I was happy to share the information I knew with my husband once I returned home. I was even happier when I found out that some of the information I shared was new to him. I will book another tour with Katie and will likely take the Black Georgetown Tour again with a different set of friends.
See the depths of DC’s history
republicofheaven,Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a fantastic experience! I lived in DC for years and never knew the history behind Georgetown. It’s amazing to see the city in a new light. If only walls could talk!