Little Forest Park, formerly Francis G. Newlands Park, an undeveloped park located in the

District of Columbia ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

neighborhood of

Chevy Chase Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase (; born October 8, 1943) is an American comedian, actor and writer. He became a key cast member in the first season of ''Saturday Night Live'', where his recurring ''Weekend Update'' segment became a staple of the ...

; North of Military Rd., between 28th & 30th Sts., NW. This 8.78 acre (3.55 hectares) site is administered by the National Park Service as a part of Rock Creek Park

History

When the District was authorized by Congress in 1790, the land in the area of the park was farmland raising wheat and tobacco, but the park was likely wood land as it was too steep and rough for farming. It remained as farmland until the late 1880s. Beginning in 1887, Francis G. Newlands, later to become a member of

United States House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives, often referred to as the House of Representatives, the U.S. House, or simply the House, is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, with the Senate being the upper chamber. Together they ...

and

United States Senate The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States. The composition and pow ...

from

Nevada Nevada ( ; ) is a state in the Western region of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. Nevada is the 7th-most extensive, ...

and

William Morris Stewart William Morris Stewart (August 9, 1827April 23, 1909) was an American lawyer and politician. In 1964, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Personal Stewart was born in Wayne County ...

, former Senator from Nevada, began purchasing property west of Rock Creek Park. They formed the Chevy Chase Land Development Company, which developed the neighborhoods of Chevy Chase, Washington, D.C.; and Chevy Chase, Maryland. In 1939, Edith McAllister Newlands, widow of Senator Newlands, died and left 3 acres that she designated by her as "little forest" to the District as a memorial to her husband. In 1942, her estate transferred the property to the District, while her daughters transferred an additional 5.7 acres. In 1948, the land was transferred to the

National Park Service The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States federal government within the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages all national parks, most national monuments, and other natural, historical, and recreational propert ...

under the condition that it be held in memory of Senator Newlands. It remains as a memorial to the present day. As of 2011, the National Park Service lists the park as ''Little Forest - Formerly Francis G. Newlands Park'' in an inventory of properties in the District.

Landmarks and features

The park remains mostly undeveloped other than a couple of walking trails established by residents in the neighborhood.

References

{{authority control Parks in Washington, D.C. National Park Service areas in Washington, D.C. Urban public parks Protected areas established in 1942 1942 establishments in Washington, D.C. Rock Creek Park