Cox's Row

What to know

Cox's Row consists of a cluster of five nearly identical townhouses in west Georgetown, representing one of the finest examples of Federal-period architecture in the neighborhood. These homes were constructed between 1816 and 1817 by Colonel John Cox, a real estate owner, merchant, and veteran of the War of 1812. Colonel Cox built these adjacent homes for himself and his sons, creating a family compound that later became known as Cox's Row. The Colonel John Cox House, located at 3339 N Street Northwest, serves as the western anchor and the largest unit of the row. This specific residence is officially recorded in the National Register of Historic Places with NRIS number 67000025. The row's architectural significance is highlighted by its unusual setback from the street, a feature that distinguishes it from most other Georgetown townhouses. Because the houses are set back, the side elevation of the houses is exposed to the street, allowing the return facade to be visible from the road. This layout creates a unique visual profile for the historic dwelling, which in some cases consists of four storeys. The row continues to be a point of interest for those studying early 19th-century urban planning and Federal-style design in the District of Columbia.

Visitor tips

• Look for the setback from the street, which is a rare architectural feature in Georgetown.
• Observe the side elevations and return facades of the houses, which are typically hidden in standard row houses.
• Allow a few minutes to walk the length of the the row to appreciate the nearly identical nature of the five homes.

Nearby context

Located in west Georgetown, this historic row is just blocks from the area's retail and restaurants and less than a mile from the Kennedy Center.