Description

The public bathing beach at the Tidal Basin closed in 1925 after less than a decade in operation. This swimming area was segregated, open only to whites. Congress controlled the Washington DC budget and received increasing pressure from the African American community to create a beach for African Americans on the Tidal Basin, equivalent to the white beach. Although Congress approved funding for a second beach, debate within Congress halted progress on its creation. As the conflict intensified, funding for both beaches was canceled and Congress ordered the demolition of the white beach.

Date

1925

Coverage

1920-1949