Hains Point

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Hains Point in 1935

Hains Point is at the geographical location where the Anacostia River and the Potomac River converge in southwest Washington, D.C. Located at the southern tip of the East Potomac Park peninsula, it is located between the main branch of the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. It faces Fort Lesley McNair and the National War College, both of which are on the eastern shore of the Washington Channel, and Bolling Air Force Base, across the Anacostia River. To the west is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Further northwest on the peninsula is the location of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

A sculpture called "The Awakening" used to be located at Hains Point; it was moved to the National Harbor development on February 19, 2008. Hains Point contains a children's playground and the East Potomac Golf Club. East Potomac Park is lined with a concrete walking/bike path around its perimeter, and the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers often overflow their banks during high tide, covering the path with water.

The 3.2 mile (5.2 km) smooth, straight, and flat stretch of road around Hains Point (Buckeye Drive and Ohio Drive) is a favorite of the local bicycling and inline skating community. The loop goes clockwise and traffic is one way on Ohio Drive.

Hains Point is frequented by many local residents of the DC metropolitan area, particularly during the summer. Parking spaces can be found on Ohio Drive, which extends along the perimeter of the park. Hains Point can be accessed easily by persons with mobility problems.

Hains Point is named in memory of Peter Conover Hains, Major General, United States Army, who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Hains was born in 1840 and died in 1921. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.