Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A Cinematic Climb
In the heart of Georgetown, there's a set of seventy-five stone steps that have become a magnet for movie buffs. Built in 1895 during the city's cable-car era, these stairs spent…
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In the heart of Georgetown, there's a set of seventy-five stone steps that have become a magnet for movie buffs. Built in 1895 during the city's cable-car era, these stairs spent decades as a simple pedestrian shortcut between Prospect Street and Canal Road. That changed in 1972 when they were used as a filming location for the movie The Exorcist.
To keep the stunt performer safe during those intense scenes, the production team actually padded the steps with foam. Today, they're an official D.C. tourist site, complete with a commemorative plaque unveiled by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
It's a strange, thrilling bit of pop culture history etched right into the neighborhood's hillside.
Updated June 2026