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Undoing Retrocession: The Failed Attempt to Restore Washington D.C.'s Original Borders
In the early 1900s, Presidents Taft and Wilson tried reversing the 1846 retrocession of Alexandria, VA to restore DC's original borders. But despite political momentum, Virginian resistance doomed efforts to reclaim the valuable land.
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Was Pat Garrett an Outlaw or a Lawman?
Explore whether Pat Garrett was an outlaw or a lawman. Discover his ties with Teddy Roosevelt and how it affected his legacy.
May 1865. "Another artillery unit passing on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Treasury." Wet plate glass negative by Mathew Brady.
A Pivotal Moment in History: Mathew Brady's Stunning Photo of Washington, D.C. in 1865
Discover a pivotal moment in history with Mathew Brady's stunning photo of Washington, D.C. in 1865, capturing the end of the Civil War era.
Grover Cleveland's last cabinet - Front row, left to right: Daniel S. Lamont, Richard Olney, Cleveland,John G. Carlisle, Judson Harmon Back row, left to right: David R. Francis, William L. Wilson, Hilary A. Herbert, Julius S
Mapping the Second Cabinet of Grover Cleveland and His Fascinating Directory from the 53rd Congress
Discover the fascinating directory from the 53rd Congress, which features Grover Cleveland's second cabinet. We mapped their homes on Google Map. Learn more about the President's cabinet and why it's named Cleveland Park.
Swampoodle Grounds (near present day Union Station), also known as Capitol Park, was the home of the Washington Nationals baseball team of the National League from 1886 to 1889.
This Fascinating Old Photograph Shows the Washington Nationals Playing at Swampoodle Grounds in the 1880s
This old photograph from the 1880s shows the Washington Nationals playing at Swampoodle Grounds. Click on the image to see amazing details. Source: Architect of the Capitol.
Digital asset from General Photograph Collection, Historical Society of Washington, DC
Exploring D.C.'s German Beer Hall History at Dietz's Rathskeller
Before World War I, Dietz's Rathskeller was a popular beer joint in the heart of D.C. Learn about its history, explore the area today, and be amazed at what this spot has to offer!
Washington during the Civil War
Take a Look Back in Time with this 1861 Photo of Washington, DC
Take a step back in time with this 1861 photo of Washington, DC. Click on it for a larger version and marvel at the history of our nation's capital! Source: Library of Congress.
Cabin John Bridge
Uncovering the Mystery of the Cabin John Bridge: Can Anyone Help Date This Image?
Uncovering the mystery of the Cabin John Bridge: We found this image at the Library of Congress and it says it was done in 1852, though the bridge wasn't completed until the 1860s. Can anyone help date this image?
Proposed 1968 highways
1968 War Over D.C. Interstate Highways
Why are there no interstate highways cutting through Washington? It's one of the few cities without a major highway right through it. Learn the history going back to the 1960s.
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Taking a Look at Georgetown Maps from 1903
Take a journey through Georgetown's past with these detailed maps from 1903. Explore the buildings that still stand today and leave your comments below.
1858 plan of the Navy Yard
A Look Back at the Navy Yard in 1858: Exploring the Historic Plan
A glimpse into history with a look at the 1858 plan for the Navy Yard. Discover the fascinating details of this historic document, with images and more!
Columbia Heights
The Rise and Fall of Herbert Haft's Columbia Heights Development Agreement
Discover the story of Herbert Haft's Columbia Heights development agreement, which was canceled after 15 years of litigation and very little construction. Learn how the area has been transformed since then.
"Past and present in locomotives. Eckington Yards, June 4, 1923." A closeup of the locomotive in the Baltimore & Ohio rail yard during the Masonic convention in Washington, D.C. The big engine wears the livery of "Boumi Temple," a Baltimore Shrine lodge. 5x7 glass negative.
Exploring the History of Washington D.C.'s Eckington Rail Yard
Take a look back at the history of Washington D.C.'s Eckington Rail Yard with rare photos from the 1920s, a map from 1919, and a modern comparison to the FedEx shipping center at the intersection of New York Ave. and Florida Ave.
Crack shot of White House police force. Washington, D.C., Aug. 10. Outstanding marksman of the White House police force is Roland Ford, today averaged 294 bullseyes out of a possible 300 while shooting in competition with marksmen from other agencies in the Treasury Department. Forty-eight experts competed for medals and cup for themselves and their services in the friendly matches, 8/10/37
Uncovering the Life of White House Police Officer Roland Ford
Digging through the Library of Congress archives, we uncovered the life of Roland Ford, a White House police officer. Learn more about his life and his connection to President Roosevelt in this post.
Fidel Castro
It's Midnight in Washington...and this is the Steve Allison show: A Look Back at Fidel Castro's 1959 Visit to the Nation's Capital
Take a look back at Fidel Castro's historic visit to DC in 1959, when the Cuban leader appeared as a 'surprise' guest on the Steve Allison show at the Ceres Restaurant. What was the public perception of him then?

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