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First Japanese Embassy in America: Ending Centuries of Isolationism
Dive into the captivating tale of Japan's 1860 leap from centuries of isolation to forging ties with the U.S. Uncover their daring voyage, America's samurai intrigue, and the birth of a legendary alliance.
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What Could Have Been: Howard University's Proposed Extension of Vermont Ave. in 1919
Take a look at what could have been! Howard University proposed extending Vermont Ave. from Florida Ave. to Georgia Ave. back in 1919. See the maps, read the letter of rejection, and check out the intersection today on Google Maps.
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Mid-1960s Vision for Washington's Metro System
The proposals were published to convince transit officials that the 19-mile system authorized by Congress within the city - part of a 25-mile network extending into the suburbs -would be inadequate by 1985.
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Exploring Washington's Center Market in 1921
Take a look back in time and explore Washington's Center Market in 1921. Located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th until 1931. | Ghostsofdc
Piggly Wiggly advertisement in 1922
Remembering Piggly Wiggly: An Ode to a Seriously Southern Brand
Take a trip down memory lane and experience the nostalgia of Piggly Wiggly, the seriously southern brand that no longer exists in Washington. Check out this cool old advertisement from 1922.
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Rare 1890s Photo of Old Executive Office Building
This extremely rare image of the State, War, and Navy Building is from the 1890s.
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.
Cars in front of the Washington Monument in 1956
Incredible Photos of DC from 1956 Showing Tours Passing by the Front of the White House
Check out these incredible photos of DC from 1956 sent in by GoDCer Bill. The wild part is that tours passed by the front of the White House back in those days. See the photos of the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Federal Triangle!
LBJ throws out first pitch
LBJ Throws Out the First Pitch at the 1967 Senators vs. Yankees Game
We're way late on this, but better late than never. Here's a terrific photo shared with us by old GoDC friend Phil of President Lyndon B. Johnson throwing the first pitch at the 1967 Senators vs. Yankees game. See the full list of people in the photo.
Washington, D.C. Passengers, drivers, and dogs were tired by the time they reached the gas pumps on the day before stricter gasoline rationing went into effect
The Long Gas Lines of Washington, D.C. in 1942
Take a look back at World War II-era Washington, D.C. with these photos of the long gas lines in the city on June 21st, 1942, the day before stricter gasoline rationing went into effect.
The Real Estate Directory of the City of Washington, D.C., Suburbs of Washington City, Serial Number 50 is a series of maps of recorded subdivisions beyond the city limits published by Faehtz & Pratt in 1874. Maps show streets, lot numbers and dimensions, property lines, and some building footprints. Landowners and estate names are included for large parcels. Outside of Georgetown, subdivision maps showing only property lines indicate that they were undeveloped at that time.
Exploring an 1874 Map of Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights Before the Streets Were Renamed
Take a look at a map of Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights from 1874, before the streets were renamed in the early 20th century. See the lot numbers, building footprints, and more. Source: Dig DC.
The National Cathedral
A Unique Look at the National Cathedral Under Construction in 1925
Take a look back in time with these two photos from April 2nd, 1925, showing the National Cathedral under construction. Unique views of the interior and exterior of the structure are included.
"Past and present in locomotives. Eckington Yards, June 4, 1923." A closeup of the locomotive in the Baltimore & Ohio rail yard during the Masonic convention in Washington, D.C. The big engine wears the livery of "Boumi Temple," a Baltimore Shrine lodge. 5x7 glass negative.
Exploring the History of Washington D.C.'s Eckington Rail Yard
Take a look back at the history of Washington D.C.'s Eckington Rail Yard with rare photos from the 1920s, a map from 1919, and a modern comparison to the FedEx shipping center at the intersection of New York Ave. and Florida Ave.
Our national capital, viewed from the South
Incomplete Washington Monument in Wood Engraving from 1882
We found this cool wood engraving from 1882, meant to depict the National Mall looking from the South. In the image, you can see buildings like the Smithsonian Institution in the lower middle.
Home Rule
The Unexpected History of Home Rule at 1807 14th St. NW
Discover the unexpected history of Home Rule at 1807 14th St. NW, from Edward L. Coates' harassment of Senators to the busts of the numbers racket. Plus, learn about the store's current owners since 1999.

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