Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

Historic American Buildings Survey Photographer unknown, c. 1938 EXTERIOR FROM SOUTH Copied from print in files of National Capital Region, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. - Godey Lime Kilns (Ruins), Junction of Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

The Godey Lime Kilns: Washington D.C.’s Forgotten Industrial Relic

Explore the history of the Godey Lime Kilns—19th-century ovens that helped build D.C.—from their rise, decline, and preservation in Foggy Bottom.

Inside the National Air and Space Museum: Source: Smithsonian

When Was the Air and Space Museum Built? A Historical Overview

Discover the origins of the Air and Space Museum in this historical journey – when was it built and how it became an iconic institution.

Schott's Alley on Capitol Hill in 1941

What was alley living like near Capitol Hill? This photo shows Schott's Alley, razed in the 1940s to make way for the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

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"Full size mockup of partial Metro station 1968" from Harry Weese Associates' 1994 book describing Metro's early plans.

Metro's 17-Foot Long "Experimental Station" in 1968

WMATA spent $69,000 for the sample station in May 1968. After just a few weeks of construction, it measured 64 feet in width, 30 feet in height, and just 17 feet in length. It marked a key milestone in the capital subway project - a massive planning and engineering effort that started in the 1950s.

Take a Trip Back in Time: Woodward & Lothrop Building in Washington 100 Years Ago

Take a trip back in time with this amazing old image of the Woodward & Lothrop Building in Washington 100 years ago. This beautiful building still stands today. #WashingtonDC #History #OldPhotos

House Chamber of the Capitol circa 1908, with a quorum of ghosts in this time exposure.

A Glimpse into the Past: Exploring the United States House of Representatives from 1908

Take a look back into history with this unique photo from 1908 of the United States House of Representatives. Learn about the laws passed, senators debating, and the socializing in the evening.

Grover Cleveland's last cabinet - Front row, left to right: Daniel S. Lamont, Richard Olney, Cleveland,John G. Carlisle, Judson Harmon Back row, left to right: David R. Francis, William L. Wilson, Hilary A. Herbert, Julius S

Mapping the Second Cabinet of Grover Cleveland and His Fascinating Directory from the 53rd Congress

Discover the fascinating directory from the 53rd Congress, which features Grover Cleveland's second cabinet. We mapped their homes on Google Map. Learn more about the President's cabinet and why it's named Cleveland Park.

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Capitol Building and a lot of cars parked in front of it in the 1960s

A Look at the Capitol Building from the 1960s - A Scene You'll Never See Again

Take a look at this rare photo of the Capitol Building from the 1960s. See the Capitol Dome under construction and a lot of cars parked out in front of it - something you'll never see again!

Washington, D.C., circa 1931. "Fifteenth Street at Pennsylvania Avenue." Note the traffic lights, which made their D.C. debut in 1926, as well as the traffic-cop gazebo at center ("NO LEFT TURN") and streetcar switch tower to its left. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

A Look Back at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Circa 1931

Take a look back at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. circa 1931. See the traffic lights, traffic-cop gazebo, and streetcar switch tower in this amazing old photo. Source: Shorpy.

What Did Columbia Heights Look Like After the 1968 Riots?

A series of tragic photos showing Columbia Heights after the 1968 Washington, DC riots.

1935. Washington, D.C. "View looking down from U.S. Capitol dome, West Front." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

Prepare to Be Amazed: A Breathtaking View from the Capitol Dome

Get ready to be amazed! Take in the breathtaking view from the Capitol Dome with this stunning picture from 1935. Click the image for greater details.

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.S. Capitol interiors: detail of structural work of dome interior

Exploring the Structural Work of the Capitol Dome in a Photo from the 1920s

Explore the old photo from the 1920s that shows the inside structure of the Capitol Dome. Get a glimpse into the beautiful architectural design of the Capitol Dome from the past and discover the history of its structural work.

Can You Help Date this Photo of the Washington Monument from the 1920s?

Can you help our community member Ken date this photo of the Washington Monument from the 1920s? He's guessing sometime in the 1920s but maybe someone out there can offer a more precise estimate.

A Look Back at Ulysses S. Grant's 1873 Inauguration: A Print from 1873

Take a look back at Ulysses S. Grant's 1873 Inauguration with this amazing print from 1873. See the event from Pennsylvania Ave. with this incredible image from the Library of Congress.

Washington, D.C., 1919. "Post Office a la cart." Deck the truck with boughs of holly! National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

Christmas 1919: Post Office A La Cart in Washington, DC

Check out this amazing old photo of a makeshift post office in Washington, DC, set up to handle overflow mail during the Christmas season in 1919. Deck the truck with boughs of holly!

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