Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

Severine G. Leoffler: The Man Who Fed 1919 D.C. with His Iconic Liberty Lunches

Step back in time with this captivating 1919 photo of Leoffler's Liberty Lunch stand in Washington, D.C., where just 20 cents could buy government workers a box lunch filled with surprises. Discover the story of Severine G. Leoffler's entrepreneurial spirit in the early days of street food.

St. Elmo’s Bar in Georgetown: The Real Story Behind the Iconic Film and The Tombs

Discover the real-life inspiration for St. Elmo’s Bar from the iconic 1985 movie. Georgetown’s The Tombs played a starring role in shaping this classic spot.

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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.

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1885 Dedication of Washington Monument

Terrific old photo of the Washington Monument being dedicated in 1885. Check out the amazing details.

Looking eastward along the I-495 Capital Beltway in Virginia, east of Springfield, toward the Beltway bridge over the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac (RF&P) Railroad (today's CSX Railroad) in the distance. The highway was nearing completion but not yet open to traffic at this time. Notice that the roadway has three lanes, and that the roadway is paved with reinforced Portland cement concrete. When originally built, the Beltway in Virginia had six lanes (three each way) between I-95 at Springfield and across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and all the way through Maryland. This photo was taken in 1963 by the Virginia Department of Highways.

Origin of the Term "Beltway Bandit"

Career criminal Joseph Francis Fearon of Fairfax was the original ring leader of the “Beltway Bandits” of the late 1960s, robbing neighborhood homes neighboring the then-new Capital Beltway.

Photo shows a man and a boy in summer straw hats happily displaying some unidentifiable papers on F Street, with the Treasury and a new electric hooded arc streetlight in the background. One of a series of scenes near Painter's office at 14th and E streets, this picture bears the hallmarks of the new "snapshot" style now made possible by the invention of the quick, hand-held Kodak: natural smiles and the movement of the ladies under the umbrella.

Uncovering the Past: A Look at this Fascinating 1885 Photo

Take a look at this fascinating photo from 1885! Uncovering the past, this photo from the Library of Congress shows a man and a boy in summer straw hats happily displaying some unidentifiable papers on F Street.

Corner store at 4th and M Streets SW, northwest corner, looking up 4th Street toward L, 1100 block

A Look Back at Life in Southwest Washington in the 1950s

Take a look back at life in Southwest Washington in the 1950s with this photo of a corner store at 4th and M St. SW. See how the same corner looks today with a Google Maps embed.

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"Union Station tracks, Washington, circa 1920." National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

This Old Photo of Union Station in Washington DC in 1920

This old photograph reveals Union Station in Washington DC in 1920. See the tracks and glass negative from the National Photo Company Collection. | Ghosts of DC

Circa 1911, landmarks include, from left, Memorial Continental Hall (headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution); the Corcoran Gallery of Art; State, War and Navy Building; and White House West Wingtip. 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company.

A Look Back at DC in 1911: An Amazing Photo and Detailed History

Take a look back at DC in 1911 with an amazing photo and detailed history. Click on it for a much larger, detailed version. Source: Shorpy

Walter Bryant Hurls Beer Bottle and Edward Bryant Uses Pistol: A Wild 1908 Washington Post Story

Digging up a wild story from The Washington Post in 1908, read about the beer bottle-hurling and pistol-wielding fight between Walter and Edward Bryant. Who do you think won?

Monument ("Washington Monument"), Washington, D.C. Rendered perspective

Washington Monument Almost Built As Pyramid

What if the Washington Monument was built as a pyramid instead of an obelisk? It could have been if this design came to fruition.

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Exterior of the Knickerbocker on opening day, 1917

The Tragic Story of the Knickerbocker Storm: A DC Blizzard that Led to 98 Deaths in 1922

The Knickerbocker Storm of 1922 was a historic DC blizzard that led to the tragic deaths of 98 people in the historic Knickerbocker Theater. Learn the story of the storm, its aftermath, and its legacy today.

Exploring Georgetown's Past: An 1874 Map of the City with Old Street Names

Take a journey back in time and explore Georgetown's past with this 1874 map of the city featuring the old street names. Check it out now!

Exploring the Whittemore House and the Women's National Democratic Club in 1900

Take a look back in time to 1900 and explore the Whittemore House and the Women's National Democratic Club with these beautiful historical photos. Check out the websites to learn more about the amazing history of these locations!

Check Out This Cool Beer Ad From 1900: The Golden Hop

Take a step back in time and check out this cool beer ad from 1900 featuring the Golden Hop. See why it was so popular back then and why it's still talked about today.

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