Independence Avenue (Washington, D.C.)

Independence Avenue is a major east–west street in the southwest and southeast quadrants of Washington, D.C., running just south of the United States Capitol. Originally named South B Street, Independence Avenue SW was constructed between 1791 and 1823. Independence Avenue SE was constructed in pieces as residential development occurred east of the Capitol and east of the Anacostia River. Independence Avenue received its current name after Congress renamed the street in 1934.

Independence Avenue SW originally had its western terminus at 14th Street SW, but was extended west to Ohio Drive SW between 1941 and 1942. The government of the District of Columbia renamed the portion of the road in the southeast quadrant of the city, west of the Anacostia River, in 1950. Independence Avenue SE encircles the southern end of the former RFK Stadium before ending at East Capitol Street near the Whitney Young Memorial Bridge.