Construction of Barry Farm Dwellings began with America’s entry into World War II. As tens of thousands of people moved to Washington for federal government jobs to aid in the war effort, the city experienced a serious housing shortage that was particularly severe for African Americans. To help alleviate the problem, the Alley Dwelling Authority built Barry Farm Dwellings, a public housing complex for African Americans, in 1942.

The site of Barry Farm Dwellings, from its establishment as a freedmen’s village in 1867, through its development as public housing, tells a story of housing struggles for African Americans for over 150 years. It is a story of the resilience of the residents who, in spite of the effects of racial segregation, municipal neglect, and invasive welfare policies, built a rich and close-knit community.

The DC Historic Preservation Office created a Barry Farm Dwellings ArcGIS StoryMap outlining the civil rights history of the community in 2020.   

This material was produced with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.