Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

The Brickskeller: Dupont's Legendary Basement of Beers

Brickskeller was an iconic DC institution that many locals remember fondly. Learn about its slow demise and the beer renaissance that arrived in DC, as well as a look back at the 1957 advertisement for its opening.

Severine G. Leoffler: The Man Who Fed 1919 D.C. with His Iconic Liberty Lunches

Step back in time with this captivating 1919 photo of Leoffler's Liberty Lunch stand in Washington, D.C., where just 20 cents could buy government workers a box lunch filled with surprises. Discover the story of Severine G. Leoffler's entrepreneurial spirit in the early days of street food.

When Did the Washington Post Launch a Website?

The Washington Post launched their first website in June 1996 after a failed attempt at online news called Digital Ink.

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Proposed D.C. Subway During World War II

Near the end of World War II, there was an interesting proposal to build a subway in the District to alleviate post-war traffic.

Negro laborers at Alexandria, near coal wharf

Uncovering the Faces of Regular African-Americans in the 1860s with a Photo from the National Archives

Uncovering the faces of regular African-Americans in the 1860s, this beautiful old photo from the National Archives captures the lives and work of those living around Alexandria. Learn more about these individuals and check out photos of young boys working in the area.

Washington, D.C., circa 1906. "Senator George P. Wetmore, Rhode Island."

Whoa! Check Out This Colorized Photo of a Horseless Carriage in 1906

Whoa! Check out this amazing colorized photo of a "horseless carriage" in 1906, featuring Senator George P. Wetmore of Rhode Island. Can you identify the building in the background?

The Mysterious Wild Man of Tenleytown in 1894

Read about the mysterious wild man of Tenleytown in 1894. Descriptions of the individual were lacking, but sightings of a half-nude crazy man were happening across the area. Find out what happened when the wild man walked into the police station!

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Three Sisters Bridge Across the Potomac Was Never Built

Explore the history of Washington D.C.'s Three Sisters Bridge project, an envisioned Potomac River crossing mired in decades of debate.

A Look Back at 1921 Real Estate Prices in Columbia Heights

Real estate prices in Columbia Heights have changed drastically since 1921. Take a look back at the prices and see just how much they have changed using the consumer price index and an online calculator.

A Rare Look at Warder Mansion in 1937

Take a rare look at Warder Mansion in 1937 – this castle-like building was much greener then with ivy growing on it and far more shrubbery. Check out the photo from Library of Congress.

1935. Washington, D.C. "View looking down from U.S. Capitol dome, West Front." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

Prepare to Be Amazed: A Breathtaking View from the Capitol Dome

Get ready to be amazed! Take in the breathtaking view from the Capitol Dome with this stunning picture from 1935. Click the image for greater details.

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Looking north up 14th Street NW from just below Constitution Avenue NW. Visible is the Commerce Department and the Willard Hotel in the distance. A set of streetcar tracks appear embedded in the street in the foreground.

Take a Look Back in Time: A 1927 Photo of 14th St, Washington DC

Take a step back in time and explore this amazing 1927 photo of 14th Street in Washington, DC. Get a glimpse of the Commerce Department and the Willard Hotel in the distance. Source: Dig DC

Circa 1924, "Metropolitan Methodist Church, C Street, Washington, D.C." And the Ford building next door. National Photo Company glass negative. View full size. The church, at C Street NW and John Marshall Place, was abandoned and razed after the congregation moved to its Nebraska Avenue location in the 1930s. The 1905 Ford Motor Co. building on Pennsylvania Avenue was torn down in 1980.

The Sad Tale of the Destruction of a Beautiful Old Church in the Name of Progress

What a sad tale of progress - a beautiful old church, destroyed in the name of progress. Read the story of how this once grand building was lost forever, and the impact it had on its community.

Discovering the Transportation Used By Presidents Before Air Force One

In this blog post, explore the transportation used by U.S. presidents before the iconic Air Force One. Take a look at the presidential trains, ships, and more used throughout history!