Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

Rosslyn City, the Brooklyn of Washington - 1889

Rosslyn City in 1889: The Vision of Becoming Washington's Brooklyn

Explore the 1889 ambition of Rosslyn City, touted as the "Brooklyn of Washington," and its emblematic journey of urban aspirations and challenges.

Three Houses for Sale the Day of Pearl Harbor

These three houses were advertised for sale in the Washington Post on December 7th, 1941. Help us identify the 565-acre estate in Warrenton, Virginia.

1847 Map of Washington

An incredible map of Washington well before the Civil War. Lovely details for you to study.

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Washington, D.C., circa 1918. "Childs Restaurant, 1423 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

An Analysis of the 1900 Washington Post Article on Horses and Automobiles

This analysis of a 1900 Washington Post article on the advent of automobiles shows a disregard for the new technology, with horse dealers even calling it a fad. A photo of 14th and Pennsylvania in 1918 shows both horses and automobiles.

Bridge spanned the Potomac River from Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia and was demolished after construction of the Key Bridge

Discovering a Cool Old Photo of Aqueduct Bridge 105 Years Later

Take a trip back in time 105 years and explore the Aqueduct Bridge as seen in a cool old photo. Discover what the bridge looked like before it was demolished after the construction of the Key Bridge.

Unearthing a 1909 Map of the Palisades During a Birthday Celebration

Mrs. Ghost, Ghost Baby and I spent a nice Saturday afternoon celebrating a birthday at a lovely home in the Palisades. We found an old 1909 map of the area. Check out the results and the source of the map in our blog post!

Film Footage of D.C. After 1968 Riots

Here is some really sad and devastating film footage that we dug up showing the city after the riots of 1968.

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Que Street NW between 27 and 28, "Bellevue" Rittenhouse home, built about 1750, was the home of Joseph Nourse and Washington was a frequent guest here - #544

The Moving of a Georgetown Landmark: How Bellevue Became Dumbarton House

Visit the historic home of Bellevue in Upper Georgetown, DC, built around 1750 and once the residence of Joseph Nourse and a frequent guest of George Washington. Learn more and explore the area today!

From the Baltimore Sun to the U.S. Census: Uncovering the Tragic Tale of Rudolph and Mary Scheitlin

Digging through old newspaper archives and the U.S. Census, uncover the tragic tale of Rudolph and Mary Scheitlin that was printed in The Baltimore Sun in 1905. Learn the story of their rocky marriage, her dalliances and the fateful night that ended in murder.

These Boys Look Like They're Having the Time of Their Lives: A Look Back at Swimming in the Reflecting Pool in the 1920s

Take a look back at a time when swimming in the Reflecting Pool was permitted, even though it wasn't strictly enforced. Learn why Congress failed to appropriate money for District pools at the time.

J.P. Morgan Visiting Washington in 1912: Walking in Front of the Capitol Building

This is an old photo of J.P. Morgan walking in front of the Capitol Building in 1912. He was in town to testify before the Pujo Committee. Source: Library of Congress.

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Aftermath of the McCrory disaster, a virtually forgotten chapter in the history of Washington, D.C.: At 1:32 p.m. on Nov. 21, 1929, a boiler in the basement of the McCrory five-and-dime store at 416 Seventh Street NW exploded, demolishing the ground floor and igniting a fire in a deafening blast whose final toll was six dead and dozens injured. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

Six Killed at McCrory's on 7th Street in 1929's Horrific Explosion

Discover the forgotten tragedy of the McCrory disaster in D.C. history. Six died and dozens were injured in a devastating boiler explosion in 1929.

Photographs from 1902 of the Grand Army of the Republic Parade in Washington DC

Take a look back in time at three photographs from the 1902 Grand Army of the Republic Parade in Washington DC. See the program of festivities and learn more about the 36th encampment of the Grand Army in Washington.

Remember This Super Ugly Giant on Wisconsin Ave.? It's Soon to be the New Cathedral Commons!

Remember this super ugly Giant on Wisconsin Ave. near the Cathedral? It's soon going to be the new Cathedral Commons! This old photo was taken in the summer of 1942.

Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. [Leaders of the march], 08/28/1963

The Momentous 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. Captured in a Photo

Take a look at this remarkable photo from the August 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. See the leaders of the march standing in the Lincoln Memorial! Source: U.S. National Archives.

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