It's about time District residents had a history lesson regarding the names of the streets they navigate every day. The List has a complete guide to the D.C. traffic circles named after historical figures. Now you know who Dupont and Logan are.
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Anna J. Cooper Circle
A prominent African American author, scholar and community member in Washington. Cooper was the fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree, which she completed in 1924.
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Barney Circle
Named after Joseph Joshua Barney, a hero of the War of 1812.
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Benjamin Banneker Circle
An 18th Century African American astronomer, clockmaker and almanac author. Banneker was also an early abolitionist who expressed his views towards slavery and racism in his correspondence with Thomas Jefferson.
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Columbus Circle
You guessed it. This circle is named after the prominent explorer and navigator, Christopher Columbus.
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Dupont Circle
Congress renamed Pacific Circle in 1882 to recognize Samuel Francis DuPont for his service as a rear admiral during the Civil War.
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Grant Circle
Named after former president and Civil War general, Ulysses S. Grant.
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Logan Circle
Congress renamed Iowa Circle in 1930 to commemorate John A. Logan, the commander of the Army of the Tennessee during the Civil War, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and representative and senator for the state of Illinois from 1867 until his death in 1886.
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Scott Circle
Named after Winfield Scott, the "Grand Old Man of the Army" who served in active duty as a United States Army general longer than any other man in American history. He was an unsuccessful presidential candidate of the Whig Party in 1852.
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Sheridan Circle
Named for Gen. Philip Sheridan, Union general of the American Civil War and later general of the United States Army.
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Sherman Circle
Named to honor educator, author and Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman. His 1875 published Memoirs are recognized as one of the best-known firsthand accounts of the Civil War.
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Tenley Circle
Named after John Tennally, a local tavern owner and 18th century resident of Washington whose name evolved into "Tenley" over time. Historic photos of the District's streetcar system indicate that former cars were signed with the original spelling.
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Thomas Circle
Named after Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas, Union general during the American Civil War and one of the principal commanders in the Western Theater.
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Ward Circle
Named in honor of Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward who commanded in the American Revolutionary War and served twice as a congressman from Massachusetts from 1791 to 1995.
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Washington Circle
Named in honor of the lieutenant general and first president of the United States, George Washington.
1 Comment
David Gursky
While the political machines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are the stuff of legend, I am reasonably certain having Maj. General Artemas Ward serve as representative from the Bay State to the United States Congress for 205 years from 1791 to 1995 as stated in this article is beyond even the their political prowess. [Although there is temptation to make a comment about the prowess of Chicago's political machines in this regard.]
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