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A Rare Glimpse of Lafayette Square in 1919

Take a rare look at Lafayette Square as it appeared in 1919 with a photo and story from the Smithsonian and Ghosts of DC. Learn more about this unique scene and the Old Executive Office Building.
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This U.S. mail streetcar, owned and operated by the Capital Traction Company, was used to process and transport mail in Washington, DC.
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This is an odd scene, and one you would not see today. Below you’ll see a photo of Lafayette Square, taken from the Old Executive Office Building. The gates you see swung open are to West Executive Dr. (i.e., not a place you’ll ever find yourself today).

Lafayette Park seen from the Old Executive Office Building in 1919 (RU007355 - Martin A. Gruber Photograph Collection, 1919-1924, Smithsonian Institution Archives )
Lafayette Park seen from the Old Executive Office Building in 1919 (RU007355 – Martin A. Gruber Photograph Collection, 1919-1924, Smithsonian Institution Archives)

Thanks to the Smithsonian for having an incredible array of photos available on Flickr.

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