Links to the Past: A Historic Resource Study of National Park Service Golf Courses in the District of Columbia: A Historic Resource Study of National Park Service Golf Courses in the District of Columbia

In summer 2016, the U.S. National Park Service began a study on the history and design of the National Park Service
golf courses at East Potomac Park, Rock Creek Park, and Langston. As enthusiasm for the sport began in the early 20th century, the District of Columbia’s public golf courses were built by the federal government for those who could not afford to play at the area’s private clubs and as part of the expansion of parks and recreation facilities in the nation’s capital.

Initially built between 1918 and 1939, the three courses hosted numerous tournaments, Presidents of the United States, renowned American golfers, as well as countless local citizens. The golf courses also played a role in the city’s Civil Rights movement, the National Park Service’s position against segregation, and the integration of the city’s recreational facilities between 1941 and 1954.

The National Park Service will use these studies as critical planning tools for the on-going management, interpretation, and public use of the golf courses.

Discover more resources relating to Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity (EEO) here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/civil-rights-equal-opportunity-eeo

Other products produced by the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/agency/national-park-service-nps