Location Washington, D.C. Phone +1 202-673-2402 | Address Washington, DC 20003, USA | |
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Website www.nps.gov/cahi/historyculture/cahi_marion.htm Hours Open today ยท Open 24 hoursMondayOpen 24 hoursTuesdayOpen 24 hoursWednesdayOpen 24 hoursThursdayOpen 24 hoursFridayOpen 24 hoursSaturdayOpen 24 hoursSundayOpen 24 hours Similar Lincoln Park, Garfield Park, Stanton Park, Turtle Park, Washingt Canal Park | ||
Marion Park is a public park named after Revolutionary War leader Francis Marion. It is located at 4th Street, 6th Street, and E Street, Southeast, Washington, D.C., in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It is known informally as Turtle Park because of the large cement turtle in its playground.
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History
Marion Park was first established as open ground, dating back to the original plans for the city created by Pierre L'Enfant in 1791. Also included in updated plans from Andrew Ellicott, this reservation has served continuously as a park since its first improvements in 1885. It is one of the larger parks in the Capitol Hill area. In 1764 the tract of land was known as Houp's Addition, and was owned by Jonathan Slater. In 1791, Mr. Slater sold the tract to William Prout, who then had to turn over the land to the federal government soon after. Improvements were made by 1886 which gave the park an ornamental elegance in the developing neighborhood. A large vase in the center of the park was filled with tropical flowers every summer. This "Large Hilton Iron Vase" was used to direct the flow of traffic through the park through the carriage paths. In 1963, the vase was removed, and the traffic patterns were redirected outside of the boundaries of Marion Park.
A statue to Frances Marion was authorized on May 8, 2008.
Uses
The park has a playground, and is a popular place to bring dogs.