Learn About the Park

History

10,000 years before any colonists arrived in what is now known as the Anacostia River there was a thriving Native American culture. The Nacotchtanks used this land to its fullest, using plants like cattails for food, medicine, and shelter. What is now known as Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is eventually bought by Walter Shaw who turns what was considered unusable farmland into an aquatic garden. Later his daughter Helen Fowler expands the business, bringing in even more important flowers until it eventually becomes the National Park you see today.

If you'd like to dig deeper into Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens History or see artifacts and original artwork by Helen Fowler check out these two links.

People

In 1880, a man purchased a house and property in Washington DC along the Anacostia River. His passion, hobby, and love for water lilies turned his 30 plus acre ponds and water gardens into a successful commercial business. Today, these historic ponds, water gardens, and original greenhouses from Walter Shaw still exist at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Learn more about Walter Shaw and his daughter Helen Fowler.

News

Browse press releases, subscribe to updates and dig into archived news.

Photos and more

Experience the park and see it through the lens. From winter snow and icy ponds, all the way to flower blooms and turtles basking on logs in the summer. Park photos.

Last updated: September 3, 2020

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1900 Anacostia Ave SE
Washington, DC 20020

Phone:

202 692-6080

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