U Street station is a Washington Metro station in Washington, D.C., serving the Green and Yellow Lines. Located at the intersection of U Street and 10th Street NW, it serves the historic U Street Corridor and the Shaw neighborhood. The station is a vital transportation link for one of Washington D.C.'s most culturally significant areas.
Location and Significance The station is situated in an area historically known as "Black Broadway," a vibrant hub for African-American culture, commerce, and entertainment from the late 19th through the mid-20th centuries. Its strategic location supports the ongoing revitalization and continued cultural importance of the U Street corridor. The surrounding neighborhood is characterized by a mix of residential buildings, historic theaters, restaurants, and music venues.
History U Street station opened on December 10, 1991, as part of the initial segment of the Green Line that extended from U Street to Anacostia. Its original name was U Street-Cardozo, referencing the nearby Cardozo Education Campus (formerly Cardozo High School). In 2011, to acknowledge its proximity to the African American Civil War Memorial, the station's full name was officially changed to U Street / African-American Civil War Memorial / Cardozo. This renaming emphasizes the memorial's significance and the area's deep historical roots.
Station Layout and Accessibility The station features a single island platform accessed by deep-bore tunnels, requiring long escalators and elevators to reach the platform level from the street. It is designed to be fully accessible, with elevators providing access for passengers with disabilities. The station's architecture is consistent with the brutalist and functional design common to the Washington Metro system, featuring concrete finishes and vaulted ceilings.
Nearby Landmarks and Attractions Points of interest within walking distance of the U Street station include:
- African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
- Lincoln Theatre
- Howard Theatre
- Bohemian Caverns (historic jazz club, though no longer operating as such)
- Various restaurants, bars, and music venues along the U Street corridor, reflecting its musical and culinary heritage.