Tidal Basin Beach Closes

Item

Item sets
Mall Histories
Washington
Title
Tidal Basin Beach Closes
Date
1925
Description
The public bathing beach at the Tidal Basin closed in 1925 after less than a decade in operation. This swimming area was segregated, open only to whites. Congress controlled the Washington DC budget and received increasing pressure from the African American community to create a beach for African Americans on the Tidal Basin, equivalent to the white beach. Although Congress approved funding for a second beach, debate within Congress halted progress on its creation. As the conflict intensified, funding for both beaches was canceled and Congress ordered the demolition of the white beach.
Coverage
1920-1949
Event Type
DC History