Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

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National Victory Celebration in 1991: America’s Last Great Military Parade

Step back to June 8, 1991, when tanks rolled through Washington, D.C. for a grand Gulf War parade. Explore its legacy—and the echoes in 2025’s planned spectacle.

Exploring the Lives of Young Boys Working at the Alexandria Glass Company in the 1910s

Explore the lives of young boys working at the Alexandria Glass Company in the 1910s through a series of photographs taken by Lewis Hine. Learn more about one of the boys through a fascinating history page.

Dramatic Attempt to Assassinate President Truman in Blair House

A brazen daylight assassination attempt against President Truman took place right on Pennsylvania Avenue with a shootout in front of Blair House. It was carried out by militant Puerto Rican pro-independence activists. White House Police officer Leslie Coffelt, was killed protecting the President.

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Arthur G. Barkley's Desperate Attempt at Ransom: The Story of the 1970 TWA Hijacking

The story of the 1970 TWA hijacking by unemployed bread truck driver Arthur G. Barkley who, distraught from losing his job, attempted to ransom the plane for $100 million. Learn about the hijacking and heroic actions of the plane's captain!

DCJCC in 1926

You're looking at a cool old photo from 1926, showing the DCJCC at 16th and Q St.

Looking eastward along the I-495 Capital Beltway in Virginia, east of Springfield, toward the Beltway bridge over the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac (RF&P) Railroad (today's CSX Railroad) in the distance. The highway was nearing completion but not yet open to traffic at this time. Notice that the roadway has three lanes, and that the roadway is paved with reinforced Portland cement concrete. When originally built, the Beltway in Virginia had six lanes (three each way) between I-95 at Springfield and across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and all the way through Maryland. This photo was taken in 1963 by the Virginia Department of Highways.

Origin of the Term "Beltway Bandit"

Career criminal Joseph Francis Fearon of Fairfax was the original ring leader of the “Beltway Bandits” of the late 1960s, robbing neighborhood homes neighboring the then-new Capital Beltway.

House Chamber of the Capitol circa 1908, with a quorum of ghosts in this time exposure.

A Glimpse into the Past: Exploring the United States House of Representatives from 1908

Take a look back into history with this unique photo from 1908 of the United States House of Representatives. Learn about the laws passed, senators debating, and the socializing in the evening.

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Capital Transit demonstration run of a Twin Coach articulated bus (a model they did not end up using), April 3, 1948. This turnaround is still used by buses today [photo by Robert S. Crockett].

A Look Back at the Bus Turnaround in Adams Morgan - Then and Now

Take a look back at the bus turnaround in Adams Morgan, DC - then and now. See the old photo of the bus turnaround and how it looks today, minus the Toddle House in the background which is now Mama Ayesha's.

Exploring the Washington Directory from 1822: James Monroe and Other Regular People Living in the City

Take a look at the Washington Directory from 1822 and explore the regular people living in the city, including our fifth president, James Monroe. See the page that's really interesting!

General Post Office from the corner of 8th Street and E Street, NW, Washington, D.C., the shop of Elija Dyer, merchant tailor, on the left

A Look at the Amazing Old Photo of the General Post Office in Washington, DC

This amazing old photo of the General Post Office in Washington, DC, still stands today. Check out the beautiful image from 1846. The building is now the Washington Monaco Hotel.

The Pennsylvania Avenue Childs around 1917

Exploring the History of Childs Restaurant in Washington, DC

Discover the fascinating history of Childs Restaurant in Washington, DC - the chain that originated in New York City and spread southward. Learn about the unique building of the Massachusetts Ave. location and more.

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Aerial View of East Potomac Park and Hains Point - Do You Know Why It's Called Hains Point?

Take a look at this aerial view of East Potomac Park and Hains Point. Do you know why it's called Hains Point? Find out more here!

Looking west on G Street NW from 13th Street showing the commercial buildings on the northwest corner of the intersection including the Church of the Epiphany.

This is What the Metro Center Area Looked Like in 1930

Take a look back in time at this photo of the Metro Center area in Washington, D.C. in 1930. Don't miss the Wilkins Coffee sign and a photo of Robert DeNiro's doppelganger from the same era.

View of 5 Dupont Circle NW where President William H. Taft once lived. FOR RENT signs are taped into the first floor windows. Image also includes partial views of 4 and 6 Dupont Circle.

President Taft's Former Home on Dupont Circle

Where did former President Taft live while he was the Chief Justice? This old row house in Dupont Circle was where he lives during his Supreme Court tenure.

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.

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