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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Mary Ann Shadd Cary House

The former home of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, a pioneering Black newspaperwoman and lawyer, stands as a brick rowhouse in the historic U Street Corridor of Washington, D.C.

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Mary Ann Shadd Cary House
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What is the Mary Ann Shadd Cary House known for?

The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House is a brick rowhouse that serves as a lasting reminder of Mary Ann Shadd Cary's civil rights activism and her defiance of societal constraints. It is also used as evidence of nineteenth-century African American migration patterns and the domestic life of a woman of her status.

Who was Mary Ann Shadd Cary?

Mary Ann Shadd Cary was the first Black newspaperwoman in North America and a lifelong advocate for racial and gender equality. She was also a major influence on Black advancement and women's rights in the late nineteenth century through her bold advocacy, writing, and teaching.

When did Mary Ann Shadd Cary live in this house?

Mary Ann Shadd Cary lived in the house during the last years of her life, specifically from 1881 to 1886 (or 1881 to 1885 according to some sources).

Where is the house located?

The house is a rowhouse located at 1421 W Street Northwest in the U Street Corridor of Washington, D.C.

Is the Mary Ann Shadd Cary House a recognized historic site?

Yes, the property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House is a brick rowhouse located at 1421 W Street Northwest in Washington, D.C. Originally constructed around 1850, the building serves as a lasting reminder of the civil rights activism and defiance of societal constraints exhibited by its former resident. The property is officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places, marking its significance as a site of Black intellectual and social progress. Mary Ann Shadd Cary lived in this residence from 1881 to 1886, a period during which she continued her lifelong commitment to racial and gender equality. During her time in Washington, she pursued law at Howard University, achieving a historic milestone in 1883 by becoming the second Black woman in the United States to earn a law degree. This home provided a sanctuary for a woman who had already established herself as the first Black newspaperwoman in North America. Beyond her legal studies, Shadd Cary was a major influence on the advancement of Black people and women's rights in the late nineteenth century. She founded the Colored Women's Progressive Franchise Association shortly before moving into this house, demonstrating her bold advocacy for suffrage and equality. Her legacy is further preserved through archival materials held at Howard University and various Canadian repositories. Today, the house stands within the U Street District, reflecting the African American migration patterns and domestic life of a high-status woman in the nineteenth century. It remains a poignant symbol of the intellectual courage and leadership of a woman born free in Delaware in 1823 who spent her life fighting for freedom and justice.

Visitor tips

  • Allow a few minutes to read the historical markers on the sidewalk to understand the site's significance.
  • Combine this stop with a walk through the U Street Corridor to explore more African American history.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the residential neighborhood of W Street Northwest.

Nearby context

The house is located in the U Street Corridor, a neighborhood known for its rich African American history and cultural significance in Washington, D.C.

Sources

Evidence and links