Historic site: 1949 Anacostia Pool Riot

Historic site: 1949 Anacostia Pool Riot

Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The Anacostia Park swimming pool became the center of a riot in 1949 when the pool was set to be integrated. Before 1949 the pool was only open to White Americans, and Black Americans were not welcome. When Black residents tried to access the pool that summer, White residents harassed them. The fighting continued and the police did not help to enforce the integration but instead arrested some individuals supporting equal access to the pool. The pool was closed for the rest of the summer in response. The following summer the pool was open to all people, but most White residents did not return.