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Why Is It Named Centreville?
Centreville, VA was established in 1792 by local landowners with the intent of creating a center point between the more established towns: Alexandria, Colchester, Dumfries, Middleburg, Georgetown, Warrenton, and Leesburg. Learn more about its fascinating origin story here.
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Do You Remember Peoples Drug? A Nostalgic Look Back at a Regional Pharmacy Icon
So do you have fond memories of Peoples Drug stores? Did you have a regular Peoples Drug you visited? Share your recollections of this classic pharmacy chain that served so many communities over its long lifetime. It may be gone, but Peoples Drug remains a nostalgic part of history for many.
view down Pennsylvania Ave. in 1905 during Roosevelt's inauguration
The Height Debate in Washington: Examining a Letter to The Washington Post from 1905
We thought it would be interesting to dig up a previous argument from the archives of The Washington Post. Read a letter to the editor, originally printed in April 1905, and learn more about its author.
"Full size mockup of partial Metro station 1968" from Harry Weese Associates' 1994 book describing Metro's early plans.
Metro's 17-Foot Long "Experimental Station" in 1968
WMATA spent $69,000 for the sample station in May 1968.  After just a few weeks of construction, it measured 64 feet in width, 30 feet in height, and just 17 feet in length.  It marked a key milestone in the capital subway project - a massive planning and engineering effort that started in the 1950s.
Arlington County, Va., circa 1941. "National Airport. Plane in front of passenger terminal and control tower." Photo by Theodor Horydczak.
Exploring the History of National Airport: A Look Back at the Old Terminal in 1941
Discover the history of National Airport with a fascinating look back at the old terminal building in 1941. From its humble beginnings as Hoover Field to its critical role in World War II and subsequent expansion, learn about the changes that have shaped this important transportation hub in the heart of the nation's capital.
Cleveland Heights - 1889
1889 Cleveland Park Real Estate Ad
At the time, Grover Cleveland lived north of the city in a lovely old estate called Oak Hill. Eventually, the neighborhood that grew up around his home was named for him: "Cleveland Park".
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.
Looking east at construction on Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Note the statue on the partially-constructed pedestal just to the right of the abutments (bottom center). The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts erected this mock-up to determine how high statues on the piers of the bridge should be.
A Look Back: Building Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. - May 15th, 1928
Take a look back in time with this beautiful old photo showing the construction of Memorial Bridge looking from D.C. towards Arlington National Cemetery. The photo is dated May 15th, 1928. Source: Flickr user Tim Evanson.
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Exploring a 1906 Coca-Cola Ad and the Dreyfus Affair
We love old ads here at Ghosts of DC and this is a great one from The Evening Star, printed on June 24th, 1906. Three weeks later, Alfred Dreyfus was exonerated, bringing an end to the Dreyfus Affair.
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Explore Virginia in Unprecedented Detail with this Incredible Civil War Map
Discover an incredible Civil War map of part of Virginia from Alexandria to the Potomac River above Washington, D.C. Click on the image for a much larger version. Source: Library of Congress.
early 1900s view of 11th and Pennsylvania
1900s Frozen in Time at 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue
This incredibly detailed photo of Pennsylvania tells a story when you zoom in. Read the post to learn more.
cutaway drawing of the Evening Star Building
This Cutaway Drawing of the Evening Star Building is Amazing
Check out this amazing cutaway drawing of the Evening Star Building at 11th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. We posted a great photo of it some time ago, but this was something we had to share. The image was printed in the Evening Star on May 10th, 1922.
aerial view of Washington National and the Pentagon
Exploring Arlington: Aerial Photos of Washington National and the Pentagon, and Spout Run near Lee Highway and Dead Man's Hollow
Explore Arlington, VA with two great photos sent in by GoDCer Ken. The first is an aerial photo around Washington National and the Pentagon. The second is Spout Run near Lee Highway and Dead Man's Hollow.
Department of Treasury in 1863
The Treasury Building As It Looked During the Civil War
Stunning old image of the Treasury building during the Civil War.
REO Speed Wagon advertisement
A Closer Look at the Origin of REO Speedwagon's Band Name
In this post, we take a closer look at the origin of REO Speedwagon's band name. It was derived from a 1919 advertisement in The Washington Post for an early precursor to the pick-up truck. Read on to learn more trivia and watch a great video!

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