Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

Centreville, VA was established in 1792 by local landowners with the intent of creating a center point between the more established towns: Alexandria, Colchester, Dumfries, Middleburg, Georgetown, Warrenton, and Leesburg. Learn more about its fascinating origin story here.

October 29, 1925. Washington, D.C. "Melvin Jones, 5, who pierced heart with scissors."

The Incredible Story of Melvin Jones, Five Years Old, Who Punctured His Heart with Scissors

Read the incredible story of Melvin Jones, five years old, who punctured his heart with scissors in 1925. Learn how his life was saved by a doctor and let this be a lesson to all children out there. Don't run with scissors!

Four prize winners in annual beauty show, Washington Bathing Beach (1922)

Capturing Timeless Beauty: A Look Back at the 1922 Annual Beauty Contest at the Washington Bathing Beach

Step back in time to the 1922 Annual Beauty Contest at the Washington Bathing Beach. Explore the stunning winners and fashion trends of the era.

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Buy a Home in 1925 Silver Spring

What did homes look like in 1920s Silver Spring? This advertisement promotes "growth now has brought modern, rapid transportation."

The Raleigh Hotel: A Glimpse into the Past of 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Take a journey back in time with this amazing photo of the long-lost Raleigh Hotel, formerly located at 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Learn the history of this iconic structure and its tragic removal.

Uncovering the Mystery of Homes Advertised in 1912 in The Evening Star

Take a look back in time to uncover the mystery of homes advertised in The Evening Star in 1912. See the Google Street View to find out what these homes look like today.

Connecticut Avenue Highlands advertisement in 1910

A Look Back at Connecticut Avenue Highlands (Now Cleveland Park) in 1910

Take a look back at Connecticut Avenue Highlands (now Cleveland Park) in 1910 with this old advertisement. Check out more of our awesome old ads here!

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1942. "Effect of gasoline shortage in Washington, D.C." Medium format nitrate negative by Albert Freeman for the Office of War Information.

A Look Back at Parking Fees in D.C. During World War II

Take a look back in time at parking fees in Washington D.C. during World War II. See the original photo from 1942 and find out just how much different it was back then.

July 1937. "Parking lot in Washington, D.C." Medium-format negative by Russell Lee for the Resettlement Administration.

Hey GoDCers ... Where is this Parking Lot from 1937?

Hey GoDCers! Take a look at this photo from July 1937 of a parking lot in Washington, D.C. Think you know where it is? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Uncovering the History of a Mysterious Washington, DC Home

Step back in time and uncover the history of a mysterious Washington, DC home. With a photo taken in the late 1920s or early 1930s, can you help identify this house?

Congressional pages have snowball fight in 1923

A Snowball Fight to Solve Gridlock: How Fun Was This Photo of Congressional Pages Taken in 1923?

Take a look at this fun old photo taken on December 14th, 1923. It shows a large group of boys who were Congressional pages on both sides of the aisle, battling it out with snowballs. Wouldn't it be great if Members of Congress took this tactic to solve gridlock today?

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An Outstanding Map of the Area Around the Current Vice President's Residence

Take a look at this outstanding map of the area around the current Vice President's residence off of Mass. Ave. Get a glimpse into what the area looked like over a hundred years ago and explore the history of this unique area.

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "NO CAPTION (Children, police motorcycles with sidecars, and streetcar in street)." From a series of photos whose subject seems to be traffic safety. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

Where was this Photo Taken? Investigating a 1922 Street Scene in Washington, D.C.

Investigate a 1922 street scene in Washington, D.C. with this photo. We'll explore clues to figure out exactly where it was taken. Join us to uncover the mystery!

Early photographic view of Washington, D.C. from Capitol Hill, looking northwest

A Rare Look at Washington, D.C. from Capitol Hill

Get a rare glimpse of Washington, D.C. from Capitol Hill with this historical photograph. The image features the Washington Jail, Aldrich's Wholesale Flour, Grain & Feed Warehouse, and more.