The Past
Pre-Washington DC — "Tiber Island" is derived from the name of a creek that was here long before the city of Washington and when this area of Southwest Washington DC was surrounded by water.
Originally called Goose Creek, it was renamed '"The  Tiber" after Rome's Tiber River when the area around it was selected as the new capital of the United States.
Later, the area surrounded by The Tiber, James Creek, Eastern Branch and the Potomac River became know as "The Island" with a bustling waterfront and a prominent community.
 Early map
Old Washington DC — In 1796 Thomas Law and his wife, Eliza Parke Curtis, granddaughter of Martha Washington,were local residents and their home became known as the Thomas Law House. Thomas Law was instrumental in converting the creeks to canals in 1816 with locks to move boats from Georgetown to wharves on the Eastern Branch. The historic Thomas Law house is now on the Tiber Island property.
Over time, Southwest evolved as a multi-ethnic working class community with bustling shops, churches and synagogues. Thanks to former slave and educator, Anthony Bowen, Southwest Washington even became a stop on the Underground Railroad. Various well-known individuals have Southwest roots.
 Urban Renewal — In the 1950 and 60's, Southwest was chosen as the country's first area for Urban Renewal. The Master Plan of Urban Renewal brought new ideas of urban living. It resulted in the closing of some streets, pushing together smaller blocks to create 'super block' areas with no alleys. Much of the waterfront was reserved for public access with parks for walking and boat access. Residential development in the area included towers and townhouses with mostly underground parking. The changes brought new residents to the area, including Sen. Hubert Humphrey and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
In keeping with these new ideas and in distinction to the traditional city designs with towers next to one another, Tiber Island was designed  by noted architects Keyes, Lethbridge and Condon and built in 1965 in a pinwheel shape with a large courtyard and town houses in the quadrants and incorporated the original Thomas Law House. The Tiber Island design won the American Institute of Architects award for Multi-Family Residential design in 1966.
Southwest is the most diverse area in Washington, DC. Along with its unique architecture and location along the Potomac, it is this diversity that gives Southwest its special character. Singles, families, young and old -- all make Southwest their home. This diversity of backgrounds and interests generates high levels of community involvement and commitment. Much of this activity takes place within and through cooperative and condominium associations; houses of worship; and various neighborhood associations that interact with City government. Ours is a neighborhood rich in social life and opportunities to work with fellow residents. Southwest residents take pride in our community and welcome the contributions of all those
who seek to enrich it.
A dynamic, interesting neighborhood is one which embraces change. And change is coming to Southwest DC. There are numerous  development projects planned and underway, from a magnificent new Arena Stage to renovated apartment complexes. These developments promise to bring greatly expanded opportunities for entertainment, shopping and community activities. In many ways, Southwest is on the cusp of fulfilling its planners' vision as a complete neighborhood that embraces all that urban living has to offer.
Southwest's best days are still to come.
Interesting links to Southwest DC web sites:
A Walking Tour of our Historical Community
The Future of our Waterfront Neighborhood
Down by the River
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