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.
In March '36, comedy "royalty" Jack Benny & wife Mary Livingstone arrived in DC, bringing laughs galore to delight politicos & fans. Dubbed "royal couple" by press, the duo charmed the capital for a week with wisecracks 'a plenty before departing in style, leaving smiles for miles.
The dramatic 1938 Cherry Tree Rebellion saw D.C. women chaining themselves to cherry trees to stop removal for the Jefferson Memorial. Learn the story behind the controversial protest over commemorating Jefferson's legacy.
Explore the history and significance of the Smithsonian Castle in Washington D.C. Learn how this architectural gem served as a symbol of unity and enlightenment during the tumultuous post-Civil War era and its evolving role as the heart of the Smithsonian Institution. Discover how the Castle has endured as a treasured national landmark for over a century.
The first overland long-distance telegraph line in the United States was between Baltimore and Washington in 1843. This map shows all telegraph lines in Washington in 1880.
Get a better look at the Old State Department Building during the Civil War with this amazing photo. Click on it for some amazing details and find out why there are a large number of wooden boxes at the main entrance to the building.
Discover an alternate view of Meridian Hill in 1867 with our new blog post from Ghosts of DC. See what streets have changed and which have stayed the same. Click to explore the map!
This is a sad story of a young man, John McCalip, who was drowned in the Potomac River in 1908, shortly before his wedding. Read more about his story and the tragedy that happened on the river.
Take a look at 1810 Shepherd St. in Washington, DC, from the 1950s to today. See how the building has changed over the years. Check it out on Ghosts of DC!
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.
Take a look back at the 1930s Mayflower Coffee Shop and Grill in Washington, D.C., with a photo from the Library of Congress and an advertisement from The Washington Post.
Explore the unique posters of the Work Projects Administration (WPA) from 1936 to 1943, including the one below which shows the Navy asking to borrow your binoculars to help prevent attacks at sea. View 907 digitized posters at the Library of Congress!
