Barry Farm Historic District | Southeast Washington

Barry Farm Historic District is a profoundly significant neighborhood in Southeast Washington, D.C., embodying deep layers of African American history, civil rights activism, and urban community development. Its origins, evolution, challenges, and ongoing legacy provide a rich narrative about resilience, empowerment, and social justice.

Origins and Early Development

Established in 1867 by the Freedmen’s Bureau, Barry Farm was created as one of the first federally sanctioned Black landownership communities in the United States. It was designed to provide newly freed African Americans, many of whom were formerly enslaved, with an opportunity to own land, build homes, and create self-sustaining communities after the Civil War. The land was originally part of a larger tract owned by a white farmer, but was subdivided under government auspices to support Black settlement.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Barry Farm developed into a vibrant residential neighborhood, often known as Barry Farm-Hillsdale. It was characterized by modest homes, churches, schools, and small businesses operated by and serving the African American community. This early establishment of landownership and community infrastructure was pivotal in fostering a strong sense of identity and social cohesion.

Civil Rights and Social Activism

Barry Farm became a critical locus for civil rights activism during the mid-20th century. One of the most notable historical events tied to the neighborhood is the 1950 attempt by Barry Farm children to integrate the segregated Sousa Junior High School. This act of protest led to the landmark Supreme Court case Bolling v. Sharpe, which was decided in 1954 alongside Brown v. Board of Education. Both rulings declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, making Barry Farm a crucial player in the national struggle for desegregation and equal rights.

Beyond education, the community was deeply involved in tenant rights and housing activism. The Band of Angels, a tenant organization formed in the 1960s by Barry Farm residents, particularly women leaders like Etta Mae Horn and Lillian Wright, advocated vigorously for improved living conditions and better access to social services. Their efforts led to a significant $1.5 million renovation of the Barry Farm Dwellings, a public housing complex built in 1943 by the federal government to provide affordable housing primarily for African Americans. The activism of the Band of Angels also contributed to the founding of the National Welfare Rights Organization, amplifying social justice efforts at a national scale.

Barry Farm Dwellings and Public Housing Era

In 1943, the federal government constructed the Barry Farm Dwellings, comprising 442 units of public housing on the site of the original community. While the Dwellings provided essential affordable housing opportunities during segregation, over time the complex faced numerous challenges including economic decline, inadequate maintenance, and social issues reflective of systemic neglect in public housing nationwide.

Despite these difficulties, Barry Farm remained a close-knit community with active residents who continued to fight for their rights and for improvements to their neighborhood.

Decline, Demolition, and Redevelopment

Starting in the late 20th century and continuing into the 21st, Barry Farm experienced gradual physical and social decline due to disinvestment and shifting urban policies. By 2019, most of the original public housing structures had been demolished as part of the District of Columbia’s New Communities Initiative, an ambitious redevelopment effort aimed at replacing aging public housing with mixed-income, modern residential communities.

The redevelopment plans for Barry Farm seek to revitalize the neighborhood by providing new housing, retail, and community spaces while attempting to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the site. However, the demolition and redevelopment process also led to displacement concerns and debates about the preservation of Barry Farm’s unique historical identity.

Preservation and Commemoration Efforts

Recognizing Barry Farm’s historical and cultural importance, preservationists have worked to safeguard key structures and document the community’s legacy. In 2020, five buildings from the Barry Farm Dwellings were officially designated as historic landmarks. These preserved buildings serve as physical reminders of the neighborhood’s past and are integral to the DC Legacy Project, which is focused on creating educational and commemorative spaces that honor Barry Farm’s role in African American history and civil rights.

Furthermore, the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum has featured Barry Farm in exhibits like "We Shall Not Be Moved," highlighting the community’s history, the challenges it has faced, and its ongoing significance. Documentaries such as “Barry Farm: Community, Land, and Justice” have also been produced to narrate the stories of residents’ activism, struggles for land and housing rights, and efforts to maintain community cohesion in the face of redevelopment pressures.

Cultural and Social Legacy

Barry Farm’s legacy is multifaceted. It stands as a testament to African American resilience and self-determination in the post-Civil War era, the struggle against segregation and racial injustice in education and housing, and the ongoing fight for equitable urban development. The neighborhood’s history reflects broader themes of displacement, gentrification, and cultural preservation that resonate across many urban communities.

Location and Accessibility

Barry Farm Historic District is located in Southeast Washington, D.C., bordered roughly by 13th Street SE to the west, Suitland Parkway to the south, and adjacent to the Anacostia River and other neighborhoods such as Congress Heights. The area remains accessible via public transit options including nearby Metro stations and bus routes, ensuring ongoing community connectivity even as redevelopment continues.

Barry Farm Historic District remains a powerful symbol of African American history, activism, and community in Washington, D.C., with a legacy that continues to influence social justice movements and urban planning discussions today.