Washington D.C.’s historic Whitelaw Hotel hosted jazz legends Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway during the segregation era when it opened in 1919 as a luxurious refuge for black travelers. Built by black visionaries like John W. Lewis and Isaiah T. Hatton, the Whitelaw's storied rise, fall, and rebirth embodies the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the capital.
In the early 1900s, Presidents Taft and Wilson tried reversing the 1846 retrocession of Alexandria, VA to restore DC's original borders. But despite political momentum, Virginian resistance doomed efforts to reclaim the valuable land.
Take a look back in time and explore Alexandria, Virginia through vintage photos taken on September 23rd, 1940. Enjoy a glimpse of the past captured through Charles W. Cushman's Photograph Collection.
Adams Morgan didn't exist in 1888. Read this story to learn the history of how it came to be known as Adams Morgan. We also have a great map showing Adams Morgan when it was very rural.
Learn the fascinating story of how Reno Road in North Cleveland Park almost became Washington Avenue in honor of the west coast state. Find out why the proposal was opposed by Senator Howard Cannon of Nevada.
From beauty shop to shoe shop to 2Amys, explore the history of 3715 & 3713 Macomb St. NW in Washington DC. Learn about the expert barber and shoe repairman that used to occupy the space before it changed hands!
A look at the Charles Joseph Nourse House, an 1827 farm house located in Tennallytown. Learn about the history of the house and view photos of the beautiful old home.
Grace Coolidge, wife of President Calvin Coolidge, was an avid baseball fan and attended the 1924 World Series in Washington. Read about her experience and watch film footage of the game!
Take a rare look at Warder Mansion in 1937 – this castle-like building was much greener then with ivy growing on it and far more shrubbery. Check out the photo from Library of Congress.
Take a look back in time to explore the Harvard St. Bridge in Washington, DC. This bridge crosses Rock Creek Park and has been a part of the city since 1909. See a photo of the old bridge and learn more here.
Explore the past with us as we take a look at the First Congregational Church in Washington DC in 1909. Uncover the history with this wonderful old photo found at Dig DC.
Check out this rare footage of the Washington Senators during spring training in 1931 and 1934. We found these at the Moving Image Research Collection at the University of South Carolina. Watch now!
Discover the dark history of Rosslyn and Arlington, VA, in the late 19th & early 20th century, including the notorious Dead Man's Hollow. Learn about infamous murders, robberies and more in this blog post from Ghosts of DC.
Take a look at this old photo from the early 20th century. Can you identify the block? See if you can figure it out and share your thoughts in the comments below.
