Washington, DC, is famous for its meticulously planned street grid, so it surprises many first-time visitors (and locals alike) when they realize there’s no J Street between I and K. The mystery of the missing letter sparks curiosity. Was it a historical error? A deliberate omission? The answer is a mix of practicality, typography and early American quirks, and it makes for a fun DC fact to share with your kids the next time you’re exploring the capital.
So, Why Is J Street Missing?
The short answer is confusion. When Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed Washington, DC’s street grid in 1791, he based it on a logical system using letters for east to west streets and numbers for north to south ones. However, in early print and handwriting, the letters I and J looked nearly identical, especially in the serif heavy fonts of the time. To avoid misreading J as I on maps or street signs, the city’s founders decided to skip it entirely.
This wasn’t unique to DC either. Many 18th and 19th century maps omitted J in both text and numbering systems for clarity. While modern fonts have cleared up the confusion, the historical layout stuck. So today, if you’re walking along I Street and looking for J Street, you’ll jump right to K.
What’s Around the Missing J Street Area?
Even without a J Street, there’s plenty to see and do with your family nearby. Most of the missing block would land you downtown between I and K Streets NW, close to some great family-friendly attractions and eateries:
National Portrait Gallery
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This Smithsonian museum is an engaging stop for kids and adults alike. From presidential portraits to pop culture icons, it offers an approachable and interactive way to explore American history through art.
Address: 8th Street NW and G Street NW, Washington, DC
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
National Postal Museum
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Right by Union Station, this hidden gem is perfect for younger kids. With hands-on exhibits like a mail truck to climb in and stamps from around the world, the Postal Museum makes learning about communication fun and interactive.
Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC
Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Franklin Park
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Just a block from the missing J, this recently renovated urban green space features shady spots for picnics, a splash fountain for hot days and plenty of open space to let the kids run around. There’s even a coffee kiosk for parents.
Address: 1332 I St. NW, Washington, DC
Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Teaism Penn Quarter
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A quiet café with family-friendly menu options, including bento boxes, rice bowls and bubble tea. It’s a cozy place to refuel before or after museum hopping.
Address: 400 8th St. NW, Washington, DC
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Tips for Navigating DC with Kids
Washington, DC, can be overwhelming to navigate at first, but with a few smart strategies, families can get around easily and make the most of their visit:
- Take the Metro: DC’s Metrorail is one of the cleanest and most straightforward public transit systems in the country. Avoid driving and parking by using the Metro to get close to major landmarks. The Metro Center, Gallery Place and Archives stations are all within walking distance of the area around I and K Streets.
- Walk in Sections: Trying to cover too much of DC in one go can wear out little legs. Break your sightseeing into small zones. For example, one day around the National Mall and another in the Penn Quarter to avoid overdoing it.
- Look for Interactive Museums: Places like the Postal Museum, the National Children’s Museum and the National Museum of Natural History have interactive exhibits perfect for young visitors.
- Plan Meal Breaks Ahead of Time: Downtown has plenty of family-friendly dining options, but they can fill up fast during lunch hours. Try dining a bit early around 11 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m., or make a reservation where possible.
While the mystery of the missing J Street might stump newcomers, it’s just one of the quirky details that make DC’s history fun for families to explore. Whether you’re strolling past I Street or visiting the Postal Museum nearby, take a moment to appreciate the thought and occasional oddity that went into building the capital city. And the next time your child asks, “Where’s J Street?” you’ll have the perfect story to share.
