512485642_23947412838252626_5293585472751389641_n
The Night Benny's Died: How 1980s Developers Erased D.C.'s Red-Light District
In the 1950s, the top entertainers in the country performed on 14th Street NW. By the early 1980s, it was known as Washington's "combat zone," lined with topless bars and adult bookstores. By 1986, it was rubble. What happened in between reveals how gentrification works when moral crusades and economic interests perfectly align.
iiif-service_pnp_highsm_17200_17215-full-pct_50-0-default-scaled-qe90w5xl1211n3z6u294m2mq3t3abrhsuz2u90js0k
When Was the Hay-Adams Hotel Built?
The Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington D.C. was built in 1928 on the site of two private homes owned by John Hay and Henry Adams. The luxury hotel was designed by architect Mihran Mesrobian in an Italian Renaissance style.
Logan Circle
A Look Back at Logan Circle in the 1920s
Take a look back at Logan Circle in the 1920s with this photo from the Library of Congress. Learn more about the history of Logan Circle with Ghosts of DC.
View of Rosslyn over the Key Bridge in 1964
A Look Back at Rosslyn from Georgetown in 1964
Take a journey back in time to 1964 with this photo of Rosslyn, DC, taken from Georgetown. Get a glimpse of what the city looked like over half a century ago.
Screenshot 2022-02-19 3.20
Exploring the Atlas District: A 1921 Map of Officer Sprinkle's Neighborhood
Explore the Atlas District of Washington, DC in 1921 with this map of Officer Sprinkle's neighborhood. Requested by GoDCer Vaughn. Enjoy!
19390
Exploring 1950s Washington, D.C. Through Film Footage
Discover Washington, D.C. from 1950s through film footage and narrative, including George Washington's slaves "living happily in their quarters." Watch the video to explore this fascinating era.
13944495199_ee0897c5d3_o
Amazing 1870s Railroad Photos of Washington
These 1870s photos are incredible, showing the District just following the Civil War. Click on them for more details.
Photo of Metro Center in 1973
Take a Look Back in Time: Photos of Metro Center Under Construction in 1973
Take a look back in time with these amazing photos of Metro Center under construction in 1973. Don't miss these other great old Metro photos showing Dupont Circle!
Proposals
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.
cuban war mission to the u.s. capt. tabio; lazama; carricarti; gen. marti; kear; wittermyer; vander gutch, naval attache at cuban legation; maj. e
Revisiting History: A Look at the Cuban War Mission to the United States in 1917
Take a look back in time to 1917 when the Cuban War Mission visited the United States. See photos and learn more about the mission with this historical revisit.
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.
Screen Shot 2014-10-25 at 7.25
Exploring DC in 1913: Maps of Observatory Circle, Woodley Park and Glover Park
Take a look back at DC in 1913 with maps of Observatory Circle, Woodley Park & Glover Park. See what's changed and comment your observations below!
President McKinley in Oakland (1901)
President McKinley and the 1901 Inauguration Parade
Explore the 1901 Inauguration Parade of President McKinley! Learn more about the parade, its participants and a photo of McKinley from the same year riding through the streets of Oakland in this look back in history!
Print shows view from street of Blodget's Hotel with stagecoach parked in front and a person walking on the sidewalk on the left, later (from 1802 to 1836) the U.S. Patent Office.
The Fascinating History of Blodgett's Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Learn about the fascinating history of Blodgett's Hotel in Washington, D.C., from its beginnings in 1793 to its destruction by fire in 1836. Plus, check out the awesome work of local architectural historian Stephen Hansen.
Plans for proposed building projects in Washington, D.C. Perspective view of concourse and entrance to Key Bridge, 1928
Key Bridge: An Incredible Proposed Design for an Entryway from 1928
Explore the incredible proposed design for an entryway to Key Bridge from 1928. This fascinating piece of architecture was never built and shows the approach from Rosslyn into Georgetown.

Enjoy daily

Ghosts of DC stories.