Logan Circle, once home to barracks for soldiers and a refuge for freed slaves, was designated a historic location by the the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. On July 13, the nonprofit Cultural Tourism DC unveiled "A Fitting Tribute: Logan Circle Heritage Trail," a 1.5-mile self-guided walking tour marked by 15 signs, each with information and photos explaining the neighborhood's history. The first trail sign is at 16th and Q streets NW.


Logan Circle, named for Civil War Tennessee Army Commander John A. Logan.
One of the 15 signs along the new heritage trail. This sign is outside the Luther Place Memorial Church. One of the 15 signs along the new heritage trail. This sign is outside the Luther Place Memorial Church.

Some highlights include the Logan Circle park itself, with its distinct statute of Civil War Tennessee Army Cmdr. John A. Logan, as well as the oldest church in the District neighborhood, Luther Place Memorial Church, which was built in 1873. The walk also takes you to the bustling 14th Street corridor, once called " Automobile Row" for its numerous car showrooms.

Want to know more? Read Washington Post columnist John Kelly's column about the new trail. And if you want to take a tour of other historic D.C. neighborhoods, Cultural Tourism DC has plenty -- from Columbia Heights to Barracks Row.