| The
Brookland area evolved in the early 1870's, when the Baltimore-Ohio Railroad
opened its western branch line in this area, alongside the fine 1840 Greek
Revival Mansion of Colonel Jehiel Brooks. By the late 1880's, Catholic
University established its location just north of Brooks estate. These
developments gave way to a new Washington neighborhood, taking its name
from Colonel Brooks. Affectionately nicknamed "Little Rome",
this neighborhood boasts of more than 60 Catholic Institutions, including
a large, new museum - Pope John Paul II Cultural Center - as well as the
city's oldest cemetery and the magnificent gardens of the National Arboretum
and the Franciscan Monastery. Prominent African-American architects Hilyard
Robinson and Howard H. Mackey designed 13 international-style houses here,
including that of the Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche. |