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1930s Washington D.C. Apartment Listings: A Glimpse into Great Depression Living
Delve into 1930s Washington D.C. apartment listings and discover how the Great Depression and the presidential campaign influenced living conditions. Explore affordable rents, modern amenities, and the challenges faced by residents in this historic era.
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Exploring the Historical Context of Union Station in Washington, D.C. on August 14, 1963
Take a look at a cool old photo of Union Station in Washington, D.C. taken by Thomas O'Halloran on August 14, 1963. Learn more about the historical context of the photo including the Great Train Robbery, James Meredith's graduation, and the March on Washington.
Taking off from the South Lawn (Smithsonian)
When Did the President Start Using a Helicopter?
Check out the video of the landing tests they performed on the White House South Lawn in 1957.
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It's 4:20 Somewhere
Hazy blue smoke surrounds the origins of the annual Fourth of July Smoke-In. Though it now takes place in Lafayette Square, across the barricaded street from the White House, it began on the Mall.
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A Historical Look at the Early 20th Century Developments of Mass Ave. Heights and Mass Ave. Park
Explore the history of Mass Ave. Heights & Park, two early 20th century developments near Rock Creek Park and Observatory Circle. Learn about their current status as the Woodland-Normanstone neighborhood of lovely giant homes.
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Where Can You Have an Embassy in Washington, D.C.?
You can't build an embassy anywhere in D.C. Check out this map from 1987 showing where it's okay to have your diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C.
1942. "Effect of gasoline shortage in Washington, D.C." Note the streetcar control tower. Photo by Albert Freeman, Office of War Information.
A Look Back: Washington D.C. During the 1942 Gas Shortage
Explore a captivating 1942 photograph of Washington D.C. during a gasoline shortage, revealing the city's resilience and adaptation to wartime challenges through a focus on its streetcar control tower and altered transportation habits.
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.
March 1925. Washington, D.C. "Pennsylvania Avenue." Lots of Shorpy landmarks here. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.
A Look Back in Time: An Incredible Old Photo of Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.
Take a look back in time with this incredible old photo of Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. from March 1925. Click on the photo for a much more detailed version. Source: Shorpy.
View of commercial building on the northeast corner of B Street (later Constitution Avenue) and 7th Street NW. An automobile in the foreground has an Esso advertising cover on its spare tire that reads, "ESSO THE GIANT POWER FUEL." - February 1st, 1931
Why Is Constitution Avenue Called What It Is Today?
Back in 1931, Constitution Avenue was called B Street. Read this blog post to find out why it was renamed Constitution Avenue and when it happened. View the vintage images to get a feel of what it was like back then!
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A Look at Maine Ave. SW in 1865, Right Around the Time of President Lincoln's Assassination
This photograph was taken in April 1865, right around the time of President Lincoln's assassination. You can see the unpaved roads of Maine Ave, SW and the Capitol Building in the background. Compare this to the view today via Google Street View!
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J.P. Morgan Visiting Washington in 1912: Walking in Front of the Capitol Building
This is an old photo of J.P. Morgan walking in front of the Capitol Building in 1912. He was in town to testify before the Pujo Committee. Source: Library of Congress.
"Dulles International Airport, Chantilly, Va., 1958-63. Eero Saarinen, architect. Mobile lounges." A sort of giant rolling jetway (mostly out of frame at left) that carried passengers at Dulles from terminal to plane. The stair truck supported the gangway. 120mm color transparency by Balthazar Korab.
Boarding a Flight at Dulles in the 1960s
Did you know that Dulles Airport was the first airport in the world build for jet aircraft? This photo shows passengers boarding an Eastern Airlines' Douglas DC-8
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Recounting a College Prank that Nearly Went Wrong in Georgetown University in 1900
In 1900, a college prank in Georgetown University nearly went wrong. Students attempted to scare a stable attendant, but a horse was stolen and the police were called. Read more about this bizarre incident on Ghosts of DC.
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A Look Back at the Early Days of Cleveland Park
Explore the early days of Cleveland Park, formerly known as Cleveland Heights and Columbia Heights. See two maps of the area from 1892 and learn about President and Mrs. Cleveland's country seat.

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