Brightwood - 16th Street Heights

Brightwood is bounded by Aspen Street, Rock Creek Park, Georgia Avenue and Kennedy Street. The community is home to what is often considered to be the city’s most important Civil War site. In July 1864, 20,000 Confederate soldiers attacked Fort Stevens, which sat on what is today Brightwood.

Brightwood is a small, quiet residential area situated off of Georgia Avenue. Rock Creek Park offers a golf course, tennis courts, horse center and amphitheater. In addition to the park’s resources, Brightwood also has two recreational centers: Fort Stevens Recreation Center and Emery Recreation Center.

Brightwood sets the stage for several festivals and community days, including the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Parade, Brightwood Day and Fort Stevens Day. Fort Stevens Day includes a full Civil War re-enactment. The Brightwood Heritage Trail guides visitors around the community’s historic grounds.

The Takoma Park Metro station is walkable from the northern parts of the community. The neighborhood has walkable access to the Fort Totten Metro. In addition to the Metro rail, several bus routes also serve Brightwood.