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Braddock’s Rock: A Stone Steeped in History and Controversy
Uncover the forgotten history of Braddock’s Rock – a 7-foot Potomac landmark from Colonial America that was conquered by Washington D.C.’s urban expansion only to vanish underground. Rediscover this site tied to key figures like George Washington and Edward Braddock which blazed the trail for the future capital’s surveyed beginnings despite modern obscurity.
Beach Policeman (1922)
Bathing Suit Police at the Tidal Basin
The photograph is Washington police officer Bill Norton measuring the distance between the knee and the swimsuit.
1830gtown
A Fascinating Look at Georgetown in 1830: An Old Map and its Street Name Changes
Take a peek into the past with this old map of Georgetown from 1830. You'll notice the street names have since changed - Wisconsin Ave. was High St. and M St. was Bridge St. - and see the east-west numbered streets. Source: Library of Congress.
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Western High School in 1919
Back then it was called Western High School. Washington had that school north of Georgetown, Eastern High School near Capitol Hill and Central High School just north of U St.
Lord Fairfax House
Exploring the Lord Fairfax House in Alexandria, Virginia
Take a virtual tour of the Lord Fairfax House in Alexandria, VA. Learn about the Baron of Cameron and see the Google Street View today.
View on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.[Soldiers, civilians and children stand in front of a large brick corner building.]
A Captivating Moment in Time: Life on Pennsylvania Avenue at the End of the Civil War
This photo captures a captivating moment in time on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1865 at the end of the Civil War. See the soldiers, civilians and children standing in front of a large brick building in this amazing image from the New York Public Library.
1925 World Series game at Griffith Stadium - Washington v. Pittsburgh
A Look Back at the 1925 World Series at Griffith Stadium
Take a look back at the 1925 World Series at Griffith Stadium with this photo and film footage. We were in the World Series that year, for the second year in a row. Unfortunately, we lost that year.
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Exploring a 1906 Coca-Cola Ad and the Dreyfus Affair
We love old ads here at Ghosts of DC and this is a great one from The Evening Star, printed on June 24th, 1906. Three weeks later, Alfred Dreyfus was exonerated, bringing an end to the Dreyfus Affair.
The Girl Scout Little House around 1924. It appears the house is in transit, as evidenced by the raised foundation
Exploring the Role of DC in Girl Scout History
Discover the Girl Scout history of Washington, DC, from Juliette Gordon Low founding the Girl Guides in 1912 to the Little House built behind the White House in 1923. Learn how the Scouts served their community during the Great Depression and more.
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.
Hickory Hill - the Kennedy estate on Chain Bridge Road
JFK's Opposition to Widening Chain Bridge Road in McLean, VA
Learn about JFK's opposition to widening Chain Bridge Road from McLean into the District. We also uncovered some interesting facts about the history of McLean, VA. Read more about this story here!
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Exploring Petworth in 1921: Take a Look at This Map
Take a look at this 1921 map of Petworth and recognize any of the places. Click on it for a detailed version and learn why it's called Petworth!
.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.
Washington Monument
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.
National Hotel
GoDCer Monica Sends in Postcard of National Hotel
GoDCer Monica has sent in a postcard of the National Hotel after we posted about the hotel the other day. Thanks Monica! #GhostsofDC #NationalHotel #Postcard

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