It is easy to live in DC for a very long time and not think of Bolling AFB as a local neighborhood. It is, after all, very isolated from the rest of the city. But it is a DC neighborhood – residents there live in DC, pay DC taxes and vote in DC (if they have changed their residence, which most haven’t). On the other hand, they have their own library, fire service, security, medical center, road repair crew, playgrounds, churches, scout troop and shops. Only their utilities and schooling come from the common pool of DC government services. Also, they have a very attractive but effective security fence around their property and the Anacostia Freeway separating them from the rest of the city. Its only immediate neighbors are the Naval Research Labs and Blue Plains on the south and the Naval Annex on the north (it fronts the Potomac on the west). The place really feels like its own world.

Bolling has always been somewhat separate from the active city of Washington. Like most of southeast East of the River it was largely undeveloped until the 20th century. This stretch of land along the Potomac was the estate of Gisborough, owned by the Young family, until the federal government purchased the land for construction of the first air base in the US (and, of course, the oldest still in active duty) in 1918. Although the Youngs planned a waterfront resort on the property, in fact the only building there was the derelict Washington Munitions factory, a relic of the city’s not-very-glorious industrial boomlet during the early 1900s. Col. Raynal Bolling was an early advocate of air power and a World War I hero who died protecting an enlisted man.

Bolling saw air traffic until 1962. Now the only takes offs and landings are the occasional helicopter and some small experimental models. Over time the runways have been covered with offices (mostly Air Force but also facilities for other government agencies under a shared-use arrangement) and housing. The residential component houses about 2,000 families now, mostly in pleasant suburban-style townhouses. There are three of these developments, and the two older ones will soon be replaced by new, glitzier houses. A smaller number of Navy families in an adjoining area of the Research Labs share Bolling’s facilities.

My tour guide, Robert Williams, tells me what is easy to believe – that Bolling is a close-knit and busy community. Sure people go outside for entertainment and shopping, but there is an awful lot to do on the base: there is a bowling alley, regular (and free) movies (in the Jimmy Stewart Theater – Stewart was a regular visitor during his long Air Force career), miniature golf course, marina, youth center, pool, shopping center, Thrift Shop, Bolling Club (with lounge and restaurant) and so forth. And let’s not forget the famous Slip Inn on the waterfront – with the best chicken in Washington, as everyone says, and biweekly entertainment. (A Battle of the Bands attracted a crowd this summer.)

Williams, at five years, is considered a long-time resident. But as is the way with military, people make friends quickly. “A big family,” “very comfortable” are terms he uses easily. The base serves as the center of organized activities for most of the nearby military sites and probably is better appointed than most because many brass live there, in large houses along the Freeway wall. (The place is immaculate, by the way.)

Over the years many of the base’s original functions have gone to Andrews AFB or other Eleventh Wing facilities, but Bolling now has a considerable ceremonial function: home to the Air Force Band, Honor Guard, chaplaincy, all housed in an impressive row of 1930s brick buildings forming the spine of the base. Before 9/11 the base was largely open to the public, but of course that’s changed now. Anyone with credentials can apply for use of the really impressive rec areas, and many do – church groups, retirees, youth organizations.

And where do they go? To the most impressive waterfront property in the city. The Bolling waterside park is a real wonder – shelters, playgrounds, historic markers, river, view – it’s got everything. Standing on the water you find yourself thinking: Wow! Wouldn’t someone love to develop this! And then you remember that someone did. They still are there.

Hayden Wetzel, a licensed DC tour guide, is an active volunteer for the DC Preservation League. He can be contacted at: haydenwetzel@hotmail.com.