Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

The 1977 Hanafi Siege: 39 Hours That Held Washington Hostage

A radio reporter stepped off an elevator on the fifth floor of the District Building and into a shotgun blast. The councilman down the hall was hit too.

Oct 22, 2026 · 17 min read

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Tabard Inn History: Sold in 1927, Bought Back in 1930

Oct 21, 2026 · 14 min read

The Tabard Inn's founder sold it in 1927, then bought it back at a 1930 foreclosure auction for $2,000. Deeds, plats and census records tell the story.

Foundry Branch Trestle: DC’s Last Streetcar Bridge

Oct 20, 2026 · 8 min read

The Foundry Branch trestle carried Glen Echo streetcars over Glover-Archbold Park from 1896 to 1960. Now DC's last streetcar bridge is coming down.

Ella Watson’s Home: The House Behind American Gothic

Oct 19, 2026 · 10 min read

Gordon Parks made Ella Watson famous in 1942. Census records, deeds and old newspapers reveal her home at 1433 11th Street NW and the block around her.

Arthur Scrivener: Murder or Suicide in a Georgetown Alley, 1926

Oct 18, 2026 · 15 min read

Detective Arthur Scrivener was found shot in a Georgetown alley on his wedding day in 1926. One jury said murder. Another said suicide. Here's the evidence.

Northern Liberty Market and Boss Shepherd’s 1872 Raid

Oct 17, 2026 · 19 min read

Nearly 200 laborers showed up at 6 p.m. with orders to tear down the Northern Liberty Market that night. By 11 the roof was gone.

3314 Newark Street and the Robin Hood Club Fire of 1912

Oct 17, 2026 · 6 min read

In 1912 a boys' Robin Hood Club shack behind 3314 Newark Street in Cleveland Park caught fire, and three engine companies came. Here's the house's story.

From the Archives