Cultural Landscapes of Rock Creek Park

Cultural Landscape Profiles

Encompassing more than 2,700 acres, Rock Creek Park administers one national park unit as well as 99 associated park sites within the District of Columbia. Rock Creek Park was authorized in 1890 to protect the natural and historical landscape of the Rock Creek Valley and was the third national park to be designated by the federal government.

The cultural landscapes of Rock Creek Park are both designed and vernacular, reflecting the long history of human interaction with the area. Rock Creek Park includes multiple cultural landscapes associated with Civil War Defenses of Washington/Fort Circle and Battlefield National Cemetery as well as parks like Meridian Hill, Dumbarton Oaks Park, and Montrose Park. The varied resources also include sections of the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Pierce Mill, Linnaean Hill Estate, Rock Creek Golf Course and more than 40 circles, squares, and triangles around the District of Columbia. Today, Rock Creek Park protects important natural and cultural resources while providing opportunities for both active and passive recreation within the capital city.

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    Historic Structure and Cultural Landscape Reports

    Discover NPS reports about the historic structures and cultural landscapes of Rock Creek Park.

    Source: Data Store Saved Search 4853 (results presented are a subset). To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.


    Last updated: October 4, 2021