Maps and Area Descriptions

As part of this photography project, John Wymer divided the city into 57 roughly equal areas and then photographed a sample block from each. For each area, he produced a hand-drawn map as well as a summary of his reflections on the area. This page contains those maps and area descriptions.

In the descriptions, his choice of language is an authentic representation of the attitudes of some people in the mid 20th century. Much can be learned about the frame of mind of middle class, white, urban Americans by reading his text. These descriptions and photographs are a brief, but immersive glimpse into how Wymer viewed the people and city of Washington, DC. To read more of Wymer's writing, visit the 'In his own words' page.


To navigate this section quickly, click on the hyperlink for the area you want to jump to that section.

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City Map

The areas of the city, as divided by Wymer. Image courtesy of the Historical Society of Washington, DC

Area 1

Area 2

Area 3

Area 4

Area 5

Area 6

Area 7

Area 8

Area 9

Area 10

Area 11

Area 12

Area 13

Area 14

Area 15

Area 16

Area 17

Area 18

Area 19

Area 20

Area 21

Area 22

Area 23

Area 24

Area 25

Area 26

Area 27

Area 28

Area 29

Area 30

Area 31

Area 32

Area 33

Area 34

Area 35

Area 36

Area 37

Area 38

Area 39

Area 40

Area 41

Area 42

Area 43

Area 44

Area 45

Area 46

Area 47

Area 48

Area 49

Wymer Area 49 Map.jpg

Area 50

Area 51

Area 52

Area 53

Area 54

Area 55

Area 56

Area 57


The images of this page are part of the John P. Wymer Photograph Collection; copyright is held by the Historical Society of Washington, DC.