20230916_161711_0000
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
A deep dive into a 1923 newspaper reveals America struggled with familiar issues like racism, prohibition, and budget woes amid intense social change. Comparing eras shows our past holds lessons to guide us through modern tumult.
Union soldiers guarding the Potomac River in Washington, DC in 1861. Georgetown University is visible in the background. Photo by George Barnard
A Rare Look at Union Soldiers Guarding the Potomac River in 1861
Take a rare look at Union soldiers guarding the Potomac River in Washington, DC in 1861. Georgetown University is visible in the background. Photo by George Barnard.
The view south from the top of the Washington Monument. Ice covers half of the Tidal Basin
Take a Look at what the Jefferson Memorial Area Looked Like Before 1943
Take a look at this great photo from 1908 showing what the area around the Jefferson Memorial and the Capitol Building looked like before the memorial was completed in 1943.
Matt Williams' grandfather, Washington Senators' Bert Griffith
Uncovering the Historic Family Connection Between Current Washington Nationals Manager Matt Williams and His Grandfather Bert (Buck) Griffith
Discover the historic family connection between current Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams and his grandfather, Bert (Buck) Griffith, who was a member of the only team from Washington to win the World Series. Read the full article to learn more.
Screenshot 2021-12-10 10.52
Retro Tour of Washington D.C.: Fascinating Footage from the 1950s
Take a trip back in time with this fascinating footage from the 1950s of Washington D.C.! See recognizable spots like the Dupont Underground, East Capitol St., and Union Station. A must-watch for any history buff!
Proposals
Three Sisters Bridge Across the Potomac Was Never Built
Explore the history of Washington D.C.'s Three Sisters Bridge project, an envisioned Potomac River crossing mired in decades of debate.
Columbia Heights homes
Uncovering the Mystery of Homes Advertised in 1912 in The Evening Star
Take a look back in time to uncover the mystery of homes advertised in The Evening Star in 1912. See the Google Street View to find out what these homes look like today.
June 28, 1919. "Motor Truck Parade, Pennsylvania Avenue." Held on Motor Transportation Day under the auspices of the Washington Automotive Trade Association. At left we have another appearance on these pages by a Witt-Will conveyance. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.
Trucks Driving Down Pennsylvania Avenue in 1919
A stunning old photo of trucks on parade, going west down Pennsylvania Ave. towards the White House.
Landscape drawing shows storefronts on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC between 22nd and 23rd streets. A shopkeeper stands in the doorway of one of the buildings. Women are on the sidewalk. A car is parked at the curb.
Marveling at a Beautiful 1920s Drawing by Susan Brown Chase
Take a look at this stunning drawing from the 1920s done by Susan Brown Chase. It shows storefronts on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. between 22nd and 23rd streets. View the source to learn more!
Maine Ave. SW 1865
A Look at Maine Ave. SW in 1865, Right Around the Time of President Lincoln's Assassination
This photograph was taken in April 1865, right around the time of President Lincoln's assassination. You can see the unpaved roads of Maine Ave, SW and the Capitol Building in the background. Compare this to the view today via Google Street View!
Washington Monument at night
A Nighttime Look at the Washington Monument
Behold the majestic Washington Monument at night! Learn more about this incredible structure and its history from the Ghosts of DC blog. Photo from the Library of Congress.
Screen Shot 2014-03-01 at 11.04
Discovering History Through Old Photos: Camp Meigs in 1918
Explore Camp Meigs in the summer of 1918 through two beautiful old photos. Learn about history and discover the past with these stunning images!
Mount Vernon in the snow
Two Great Photos of Mount Vernon in 1932, the 133rd Anniversary of George Washington's Funeral
Take a look back in time with these two great photos of Mount Vernon in 1932, the 133rd anniversary of George Washington's funeral. GoDCer Mollie sent these in to share with the community.
Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 2.51
A Striking Portrait of Lewis Powell: The Man Who Tried to Kill Secretary of State William Seward
This portrait of Lewis Powell captures the likeness of the man who tried to kill Secretary of State William Seward in 1865. It's a powerful reminder of the human dimension of history and the power of images to evoke the past.
American Service Center advertisement
A Blast From The Past: Check Out This 1961 Mercedes-Benz Advertisement
Take a look back in time to June 23rd, 1961. Check out this advertisement for Mercedes-Benz, which was printed in The Washington Post. You can still go to the same address today to purchase a Mercedes-Benz.

Enjoy daily

Ghosts of DC stories.