Survey map of Arlington Experimental Farm showing the irregular pentagon boundary created by existing roads
Why the Pentagon Has Five Sides: It's Not What You Think
Most people think the Pentagon's famous five-sided shape represents military symbolism or strategic design. The real story is far more surprising: the world's most recognizable military building got its iconic shape because it had to fit around the property lines of an experimental farm in Arlington, Virginia. When architects had just one weekend in July 1941 to design the world's largest office building, they shaped it to match the boundaries created by old farm roads.
Aerial view of the Willard Hotel during restoration, Washington, D.C.
Restoring Grandeur: The 1980s Renovation of the Willard Hotel
Take a look back at the Willard Hotel's major renovations in the 1980s with this aerial image of the iconic Washington, D.C. hotel. Learn more about the history of the Willard Hotel with this post!
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Criminal Automobiles: A Letter to the Editor
The most practical remedy is to establish government dispensaries for limited sales to good citizens who are not drunkards. This will eventually be done.
Charles C. Glover
The Father of Parks: Charles C. Glover and His 50th Wedding Anniversary
Charles C. Glover was a prominent banker, philanthropist, and backer of the City Beautiful movement in Washington during the 1880s-1930s. Read about his 50th wedding anniversary article in the Washington Post and his predictions for the future of the city.
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What's a Herdic Cab? What Did They Look Like?
A herdic cab is a type of horse-drawn carriage, used as an omnibus, invented by Peter Herdic of Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in 1881.
View of Georgetown D.C. / lith. and printed in colors by E. Sachse & Co.
A Fascinating Bird's-Eye View of Georgetown, D.C. in 1855
Look back in time to 1855 and get a fascinating bird's-eye view of Georgetown, D.C. in this beautiful painting. Source: Library of Congress.
Lincoln Memorial in 1944
The Spectacular Photo of the Lincoln Memorial You Have to See
Take a look at this spectacular photo of the Lincoln Memorial, taken in 1944. You won't believe your eyes when you see it! Get ready to be amazed!
George Calvert - Baron of Baltimore
Why Is It Named Maryland?
What's the origin of Maryland's name? And, what was the early pyramid scheme used to attract residents to the new colony? The answers may surprise you.
Who is the man in the middle?
Can GoDCers Help Us Identify the Man in the Middle? GoDCer Josh Sent This in Back in January
GoDCers, help solve the mystery! GoDCer Josh sent this photo in back in January and we're now getting around to posting it. Could you help identify the man in the middle? Add your comments below and help us solve the mystery!
Moran family grave marker at Holy Rood Cemetery
Uncovering the Stories Behind the Names on Headstones at D.C.'s Holy Rood Cemetery
Take a stroll through one of D.C.'s less visited cemeteries, Holy Rood Cemetery, and discover the stories behind the names on the headstones. From prominent doctors to Irish immigrants, uncover the past lives of the city's regular Washingtonians.
Woodrow Wilson stands in the front of a convertible automobile stopped in the intersection of what was then N and Union Streets SW. Wilson, the driver of the car, and two woman in the back look east at something happening on N Street. A crowd gathered under a tree near the car and people in front of 485 N Street also look in the same direction. Two Secret Service agents look at the photographer. Written on the reverse is "Barney Neighborhood House, 470 N Street SW." Wilson had only been President of the US for two months when the photo was taken.
Woodrow Wilson in Southwest D.C.: An Old Photo from May 1913
Take a trip back in time to May 1913 with this amazing old photograph of the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, driving around Southwest D.C. in a car!
President Roosevelt at NIH
Rare Footage of FDR Dedicating the NIH Campus in Bethesda in 1940
Take a look back in time with this rare footage of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicating the NIH Campus in Bethesda, Maryland in 1940. Read more about this historic moment and see the original post here.
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.
Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania Avenue, high view of the avenue looking east
A Stunning Look Back at Pennsylvania Avenue in the 1920s
Take a look back in time with this stunning view of Pennsylvania Avenue in the 1920s. See the amazing photo from the Library of Congress and learn more about this historic street.
National Savings and Trust Building in 1960
A Look Back at the National Savings and Trust Building in 1960
Take a look back at the National Savings and Trust Building in 1960, as seen in this photo sent in by GoDCer Andy from his Flickr collection. This building is located close to the White House on the northeast corner of 15th and New York Ave. NW.

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