Why does the DC area have so many country clubs?

[Anonymous]

I grew up on the West Coast and was surprised upon moving here to discover that the DC area has sooo many country clubs. I know this is more the case locally because we live in Bethesda, but why and how did this country club culture develop? I am not a member of any and often think about all the other things that land could be used for as I drive by.

[Anonymous]

Racism

[Anonymous]

Racism and antisemitism

[Anonymous]

What the PP said, plus elitism

[Anonymous]

All the white liberals creating policy for the rest of the country wanted to talk the talk but not walk the walk. Same for all the neighborhood swim clubs in areas that were developed before the 1960s.

[Anonymous]

Remember that the DMV is Southern. A lot of social life historically revolved around clubs, especially Congressional.

[Anonymous]

The DC area doesn't have the water issues most of the American West does, which allows for more golf courses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The DC area doesn't have the water issues most of the American West does, which allows for more golf courses.

Hadn’t thought of this aspect!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All the white liberals creating policy for the rest of the country wanted to talk the talk but not walk the walk. Same for all the neighborhood swim clubs in areas that were developed before the 1960s.

Yes, all the private neighborhood swim clubs are strange to me, too, though there are now lots of HOA pool communities out West, too (less so when I was growing up).

[Anonymous]

There really aren’t that many compared to other states. You just happen to be in the center of many of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Remember that the DMV is Southern. A lot of social life historically revolved around clubs, especially Congressional.

Good cultural/historical note. I don’t disagree with those who gave the answer of racism, but racism is everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Country clubs have histories going back to the late 19th century. Pretty much every city up and down the east coast and across the midwest has a good selection of country clubs. Club were exclusive and definitely discriminatory but they weren't founded for the purpose of racism but as social amenities with golfing and tennis and in the "country" for an urban based population. Keep in mind most clubs were just as discriminatory to the wrong sorts of white people.

But there's definitely clubs in the West too. Not sure why you think there aren't many clubs in California?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up on the West Coast and was surprised upon moving here to discover that the DC area has sooo many country clubs. I know this is more the case locally because we live in Bethesda, but why and how did this country club culture develop? I am not a member of any and often think about all the other things that land could be used for as I drive by.

It's because rich people live here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Country clubs have histories going back to the late 19th century. Pretty much every city up and down the east coast and across the midwest has a good selection of country clubs. Club were exclusive and definitely discriminatory but they weren't founded for the purpose of racism but as social amenities with golfing and tennis and in the "country" for an urban based population. Keep in mind most clubs were just as discriminatory to the wrong sorts of white people.

But there's definitely clubs in the West too. Not sure why you think there aren't many clubs in California?!

Growing up, I didn’t know anyone whose family belonged to a country club. The ones nearish were mainly built in areas of newer development. The noticeable difference may be partly because I grew up solidly middle class but live in an UMC area now.

[Anonymous]

There are also so many pools because of the oppressive heat and humidity here!