Marion Park is a public park named after Revolutionary War leader Francis Marion. It is located at 4th Street, 6th Street, and E Street, Southeast, Washington, D.C., in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It is known informally as Turtle Park because of the large cement turtle in its playground.HistoryMarion Park was first established as open ground, dating back to the original plans for the city created by Pierre L'Enfant in 1791. Also included in updated plans from Andrew Ellicott, this reservation has served continuously as a park since its first improvements in 1885. It is one of the larger parks in the Capitol Hill area. In 1764 the tract of land was known as Houp's Addition, and was owned by Jonathan Slater. In 1791, Mr. Slater sold the tract to William Prout, who then had to turn over the land to the federal government soon after. Improvements were made by 1886 which gave the park an ornamental elegance in the developing neighborhood. A large vase in the center of the park was filled with tropical flowers every summer. This "Large Hilton Iron Vase" was used to direct the flow of traffic through the park through the carriage paths. In 1963, the vase was removed, and the traffic patterns were redirected outside of the boundaries of Marion Park.A statue to Frances Marion was authorized on May 8, 2008.UsesThe park has a playground, and is a popular place to bring dogs.
