Ghostly woman in a black gown with a black veil
The Tragic History of a Potentially Haunted Home in Adams Morgan
A peek into the tragic history of a purportedly haunted home in Adams Morgan: could the tormented spirits of the Walter family, who suffered immense loss and grief, still be lingering within its walls?
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First Japanese Embassy in America: Ending Centuries of Isolationism
Dive into the captivating tale of Japan's 1860 leap from centuries of isolation to forging ties with the U.S. Uncover their daring voyage, America's samurai intrigue, and the birth of a legendary alliance.
Smithsonian Institution Building, “The Castle,” c. 1867.
The Enduring Legacy of the Smithsonian Castle: A Symbol of Knowledge and Resilience
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.
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Three Houses for Sale the Day of Pearl Harbor
These three houses were advertised for sale in the Washington Post on December 7th, 1941. Help us identify the 565-acre estate in Warrenton, Virginia.
May 16, 1923. "Arlington Park, Virginia. Evelyn Wadsworth, daughter of Senator and Mrs. Wadsworth of New York, serving cold drinks at the National Capital Horse Show." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.
Who Is This Young Lady?
Young Evelyn Wadsworth was the daughter of the senator from New York and the granddaughter of John Hay, former personal secretary to Abraham Lincoln.
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Tracing the Construction of the Arts and Industries Building on the Mall in Washington, DC
Take a journey through time and explore the construction of the Arts and Industries Building on the Mall in Washington, DC. From the 1879 photo to the 1878 rendering to the finished product, see it all!
Negro laborers at Alexandria, near coal wharf
Uncovering the Faces of Regular African-Americans in the 1860s with a Photo from the National Archives
Uncovering the faces of regular African-Americans in the 1860s, this beautiful old photo from the National Archives captures the lives and work of those living around Alexandria. Learn more about these individuals and check out photos of young boys working in the area.
Rowhouses on the north side of K Street between 17th & Constitution.
Back in the Day: A Look at the Row Houses of K St. NW
Take a journey back in time with us and learn about the beautiful row houses that used to occupy K Street NW! Get a glimpse into the past with this old image of the historic row houses at the intersection of 17th and K St. NW.
1940s. "Arlington County, Virginia. War Department. Pentagon, aerial view." Safety negative by Theodor Horydczak.
A Rare Photo of the Pentagon From Above
Get a birds-eye view of the Pentagon from the 1940s with this rare photo. Enjoy a glimpse of a bit of history and the War Department with this aerial shot captured by Theodor Horydczak.
Hyattsville Hardware in 1940
A Journey Through Time: Hyattsville Hardware in 1940 and Today
Journey through time and explore the history of Hyattsville Hardware - a building that has stood since 1940. See the old photo and view the building today on Google Street View.
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Coldest Day Ever in Washington, DC at -15 Degrees Fahrenheit
The coldest day ever in Washington was in 1899. On February 11th, it was recorded to be -15 degrees fahrenheit.
Third in a series of four panoramic photographs of Washington, D.C., from left to right (west to east) taken from a tower in the Smithsonian Institution Building. The Mall area is covered with trees. The streets on the left perpendicular to the Mall are 12th Street and 11th Street. The long building on the right is Center Market bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, 7th and 9th Streets, N.W. Up and behind Center Market on the right, the large building is the Pension Bureau Building bounded by F and G Streets, N.W., between 4th and 5th Streets, designed by General Montgomery C. Meigs, completed in 1887, later occupied by many government agencies and now known as the National Building Museum
Is Washington the Most Beautiful City in the World?
Explore the beauty of Washington DC, the US capital, and why many people believe it is the most beautiful city in the world. Learn about the McMillan Plan, the unbuilt Grant Memorial, and Frederick Law Olmsted. Read the full article from 1907.
The Real Estate Directory of the City of Washington, D.C., Suburbs of Washington City, Serial Number 50 is a series of maps of recorded subdivisions beyond the city limits published by Faehtz & Pratt in 1874. Maps show streets, lot numbers and dimensions, property lines, and some building footprints. Landowners and estate names are included for large parcels. Outside of Georgetown, subdivision maps showing only property lines indicate that they were undeveloped at that time.
Exploring an 1874 Map of Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights Before the Streets Were Renamed
Take a look at a map of Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights from 1874, before the streets were renamed in the early 20th century. See the lot numbers, building footprints, and more. Source: Dig DC.
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!
Wesley Heights -1891
Take a Look at this Fascinating Advertisement from The Washington Post in 1891
Discover a piece of history with this incredible old advertisement from The Washington Post in 1891. Take a look and explore a fascinating moment in time!

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