How to Use
the Maps

Table of
Contents

Glen Echo is a suburb of Washington, D.C. A suburb is a smaller community on the outskirts of a large city or town. Travel between the two communities has changed over the years, as technological improvements have greatly reduced the time required to complete the trip. Between 1888 and 1891, the only way available to journey to Glen Echo was by horse and wagon. Beginning in 1892, many people began to travel to Glen Echo via the trolley. The trolleys came directly out MacArthur Boulevard and averaged about 10 miles per hour. It was not until 1935 that people had the option to go to Glen Echo by car. On MacArthur Boulevard, there is currently a 35 mile per hour speed limit between Washington, D.C. and Glen Echo.

Questions for Map 1

1. Calculate the distances between Glen Echo and the city limits of Washington, D.C. On Conduit Road, now MacArthur Boulevard, there was a one-and-one-half mile per hour speed limit due to the rough corduroy road (made from trees that have been cut in half and laid crosswise on the road bed). How long do you think it would have taken to get to Glen Echo by horse and wagon?

2. How do technical improvements in transportation affect the way people think about distance?

3. What impact do you think technological improvements in transportation had on the development of suburbs and use and eventual disuse of local parks like Glen Echo?