The Halls Hill/High View Park neighborhood holds a singular place along Langston Blvd. It nurtures a deep sense of shared history among the many Black families who have lived here for generations, and has emerged as a cultural center for the whole area. The community is celebrating a beautiful new Fire Station 8, yet remembers the first fire station, founded by the Black community in 1918 when white fire stations refused to put out fires in their neighborhood. The Halls Hill/High View history recalls the freed slaves in the 1860s, the Jim Crow era, desegregation, and, finally, that November day in 2008 when residents stood early in line at the community center to help elect the first Black president of the U.S. Today its history influences joyous Juneteenth celebrations, Thanksgiving football games, and the close-knit feelings and ties that continue strong.
History
High View Park, originally known and still known as Hall’s Hill, is the oldest enclave in Northern Virginia settled by newly freed slaves shortly after the Civil War. The community’s origin includes two distinct names; Halls Hill and High View Park. The area known as Hall’s Hill initially identified the upper section of the community.
High View Park
High View Park is a three acre gem of a park complete with a picnic area, charcoal grills, playground, a lighted diamond field (permit takes priority), two lighted basketball courts with bleachers and an amphitheater. Numerous neighborhood events take place at this cherished park every year including Juneteenth and the annual Turkey Bowl.
High View Park
High View Park is a three acre gem of a park complete with a picnic area, charcoal grills, playground, a lighted diamond field (permit takes priority), two lighted basketball courts with bleachers and an amphitheater. Numerous neighborhood events take place at this cherished park every year including Juneteenth and the annual Turkey Bowl.
Shopping and Dining
The High View Park neighborhood is brimming with long-time businesses that offer specialty services, shopping and everything from fresh-baked morning pastries to jerk chicken or kebabs for lunch. You’ll even find a community hub (a.k.a, a barber shop) whose owner aims to make every customer feel comfortable.
To see the stories of some of these legacy business:
Juneteenth
Every June 19, the Halls Hill/High View Park Historic Coalition celebrates Juneteenth with a festival full of music, artists, performances, bingo and kids’ activities. The name Juneteenth comes from a combination of June and 19th, in recognition of June 19, 1865, when freedom finally came for the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas. That day, the Army arrived to enforce what had already been law for 2 1/2 years—the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth
Every June 19, the Halls Hill/High View Park Historic Coalition celebrates Juneteenth with a festival full of music, artists, performances, bingo and kids’ activities. The name Juneteenth comes from a combination of June and 19th, in recognition of June 19, 1865, when freedom finally came for the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas. That day, the Army arrived to enforce what had already been law for 2 1/2 years—the Emancipation Proclamation.
Murals
Local artist KaliQ Crosby was commissioned to create a mural to celebrate the renaming of Lee Highway to Langston Boulevard as well as the life and many impacts of John M. Langston, the man for whom the highway was renamed. Read More >
Roderick Turner is a visual artist and muralist who has exhibited at and produced commissioned works across the DC Metro area. Originally completed in 1992 through a community project with the John M Langston Citizens Association, the mural was recently refurbished and added onto in 2020. Read More >
Langston Brown Community Center
The Langston Brown community center and school has a long and storied history. The community center features an arts & crafts room, a dance studio, a teen lounge and an indoor basketball court. Next to the community center you’ll find a playground, a lighted tennis court and lighted basketball half-court.
Langston Brown Community Center
The Langston Brown community center and school has a long and storied history. The community center features an arts & crafts room, a dance studio, a teen lounge and an indoor basketball court. Next to the community center you’ll find a playground, a lighted tennis court and lighted basketball half-court.
Area Map
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