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#GeorgetownExorcistFilm Georgetown was established in 1751 to be an area to serve as a port for the lumber and tobacco industries, before being annexed into Washington |
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William Blatty He was an alumnus of Georgetown University and was inspired to write the novel after reading about an actual exorcism that happened in nearby Mount Reiner Movie Set The 75 steep stairs became famous after being featured in the 1973 horror film The Exorcist, plus other scenes were also filmed around the campus Thus this explains why a lot of students and faculty became extras in this cult classic Halloween Tradition Now at the university every October they do what they call The Healy Howl, where students watch the movie then go to the Jesuit Gravesite to bark at the moon when the midnight hour strikes |
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| Healy Hall Seal Other myths at Georgetown University; it is considered to be bad luck to step on the seal in front of this building If you do, its rumored you will not graduate |
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Early History The University was founded in 1751 and named after King George that predated the United States itself Its known for its number one ranking in the world for International Relations plus a major source for Wall Street candidates Fun Fact: The Hoya nickname and chant did not come from the classical Greek language (as some have thought) but just a college cheer that has evolved over the years |
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The Area As i walk down the cobblestone streets here, this is an example of the Federalist Style of buildings that is of a Neo Classical Architecture It was part of the movement that began in the mid-18th century in Italy, Germany and France which became a prominent design method in the western world |
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Underground Railroad Movement Georgetown played a significant role during those times As many of its historic buildings, the Methodist Church (with its buried vault that served as a hiding place) the C&O Canal and its docks, that all played a very active part in the escape of enslaved people |
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| C&O Canal (Chesapeake & Ohio) The canal closed in the 1880s due to declining revenues, damage to the waterway from floods and just more efficient modes of transportation Today Now managed by the National Park Service, the 300km route (184 mile) follows the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland located in Maryland It has been turned into a popular hiking and biking routes plus recreational use for watercraft |
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Famous Residents Alexander Graham Bell, John F Kennedy and Francis Scott Key It was also the founding location of IBM with all those key folks |
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Embassy Row It is a self guided tour that starts near Dupont Circle which features some of the most notable embassies and historical structures in the area Some buildings i would recommend; A) Larz Anderson House; its an elegant museum that features artwork and gardens B) Old Turkish Embassy: a Beaux-Arts Mansion built in 1915 that was one of first to be bought during the Depression in 1932 by that government Also a fun fact its later owner was Ahmet Ertegun (who co-founded Atlantic Records) studied at Georgetown University C) Embassy of France; it has a French wine reception and concert hall D) Heurich House: also known as the "Brewmaster Castle" was the home of German brewer Christian Heurich with available tours and of course tastings E) The Dupont Underground: its an abandoned streetcar station that has been converted into an arts and cultural venue |