Washington, D.C. A street scene showing street cars crossing at 14th Street and New York Avenue, photographed from a building near the Lotus Club
Capturing History from Above: Washington, D.C. Street Scene in 1939
This blog post examines a photograph of Washington, D.C. taken from a building near the Lotus Club in 1939. The image depicts a street scene showing streetcars crossing at 14th Street and New York Avenue, providing a unique aerial perspective of the city during that era. The post reflects on the historical significance of the photograph, serving as a time capsule of the past and a reminder of the rich history of our nation's capital.
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Hoover Field: Before the Pentagon and National Airport
There used to be an airport where the Pentagon stands today. Washington-Hoover Airport operated from 1933 to 1941, replaced by National Airport.
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Exploring Southwest D.C. in 1899 and Now: The Aftermath of the 1899 Blizzard
Explore Southwest D.C. in 1899 and now! See a photo of the aftermath of the 1899 blizzard, and the same view today. See what the area looked like after the blizzard and how it looks now.
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A Fascinating Look at Georgetown in 1830: An Old Map and its Street Name Changes
Take a peek into the past with this old map of Georgetown from 1830. You'll notice the street names have since changed - Wisconsin Ave. was High St. and M St. was Bridge St. - and see the east-west numbered streets. Source: Library of Congress.
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Almost-Built Highways of Washington, DC
Why doesn't 395 cut through Washington, DC? This is the history of highways in DC.
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The Fascinating History of Selling Balloons on the Streets of D.C.
Discover the fascinating history of balloon selling on the streets of Washington D.C. in the 1930s, including how much money vendors like Joe the Greek could make in an afternoon.
https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/view.htm?id=0A872177-1DD8-B71C-07B983197ECB7653
A Look Back at the Jefferson Memorial in 1940 Before World War II
Take a look back in time to 1940 and see the Jefferson Memorial before World War II. Check out these amazing photos from the National Park Service!
Architectural drawing for alterations to the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. West elevation Summary
1877 Drawing of Proposed Capitol Modifications
Proposed renovations of the Capitol Building from the 1870s. Achitectural drawing for alterations to the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. West elevation.
Washington Times - April 28th, 1911
Early 20th Century Flying Innovation: William Randolph Hearst, Jay Gould, and the Rex Smith Aeroplane Company
This cool old advertisement shows competition for flying innovation in the early 20th century. William Randolph Hearst offered $50,000 for a successful flight across the U.S. Learn more about Jay Gould's $10,000 offer to the first pilot to fly at 10,000 feet and the Rex Smith Aeroplane Company founded in College Park Maryland.
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Exploring the History of Chez Billy (3815 Georgia Ave. NW) in Petworth
Delve into the past of Chez Billy in Petworth with this exploration of the address's history, from ice cream to seafood to Caribbean food. Learn about the building's place in political and African diplomatic history too.
Washington, D.C., circa 1931. "Fifteenth Street at Pennsylvania Avenue." Note the traffic lights, which made their D.C. debut in 1926, as well as the traffic-cop gazebo at center ("NO LEFT TURN") and streetcar switch tower to its left. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.
A Look Back at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Circa 1931
Take a look back at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. circa 1931. See the traffic lights, traffic-cop gazebo, and streetcar switch tower in this amazing old photo. Source: Shorpy.
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The Unsolved Mystery of Allen L. Adams, the Soldier Who Disappeared from Ft. Myer in 1967
The story of Allen L. Adams, a soldier who dropped out of high school in 1965 to join the Army and was stationed at Ft. Myer in 1967. He disappeared one night, and it wasn't until 1996 that his body was found in an abandoned building. This unsolved mystery still remains.
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A Glimpse at History: A Wonderful Old Photo of the Navy Yard
Take a look back in time with this wonderful old photo of the Navy Yard. View the photo and learn more about its history at our site.
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Uncovering the Past: A Look at a Historic Map from the Harvard University Online Archives
Explore a piece of history with a fascinating map from the Harvard University online archives. Take a look back to explore the District of Columbia in the late 1800s.
Image shows a black-and-white engraving published in 1834 to portray Washington, D.C. and the west front of the U.S. Capitol grounds as they were in 1800. Includes the west end of the west grounds and Pennsylvania Avenue, with poplar trees planted in 1803.
An Insightful Look at Washington, DC in 1800: A Letter from Oliver Wolcott, Jr.
Explore what the city of Washington, DC was like in the early days of 1800 through the eyes of Oliver Wolcott, Jr., the country's second Secretary of the Treasury. Includes a print from 1834 to show the city at the time.

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