Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

1974 Visionary Blueprint for Pennsylvania Avenue's Revitalization

Explore the visionary plan for revitalizing Pennsylvania Avenue, blending history with modernity to reimagine "America's Main Street" for the future.

Do You Remember Peoples Drug? A Nostalgic Look Back at a Regional Pharmacy Icon

So do you have fond memories of Peoples Drug stores? Did you have a regular Peoples Drug you visited? Share your recollections of this classic pharmacy chain that served so many communities over its long lifetime. It may be gone, but Peoples Drug remains a nostalgic part of history for many.

Fascinating 1922 Photo of 9th and G Streets in Shows a Very Different City

What did the area around today's Metro Center look like about 100 years ago? Check out this detailed photo and map of the area from 1922.

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Petworth in the 1930s

This lovely old photo of Washington shows the Petworth neighorhood from the air in the 1930s. Any idea where this is in Petworth? Also, for those in Petworth who thumb their nose at the suburban dwellers or Washington, living in "cookie-cutter homes, take a look at the origins of Petworth. Everything looks the same.

Alexandria, Va. Steam frigate Pensacola. Photographs of the Federal Navy, and seaborne expeditions against the Atlantic Coast of the Confederacy -- the Federal Navy, 1861-1865.

Incredible Civil War Photos of Alexandria, VA: The Steam Frigate Pensacola in 1861

Take a look at these incredible Civil War photos of Alexandria, VA from 1861. See the steam frigate Pensacola in all its glory and click on it for some amazing details. Source: Library of Congress.

Looking east at construction on Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Note the statue on the partially-constructed pedestal just to the right of the abutments (bottom center). The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts erected this mock-up to determine how high statues on the piers of the bridge should be.

A Look Back: Building Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. - May 15th, 1928

Take a look back in time with this beautiful old photo showing the construction of Memorial Bridge looking from D.C. towards Arlington National Cemetery. The photo is dated May 15th, 1928. Source: Flickr user Tim Evanson.

Queen Elizabeth and President Eisenhower in 1957

Reliving a Special Moment: President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth in a Lincoln Cosmopolitan, 1957

Relive a special moment in history with this wonderful old photo of President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth in a Lincoln Cosmopolitan in 1957. See the three photos taken that day here.

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Exploring the Washington Directory from 1822: James Monroe and Other Regular People Living in the City

Take a look at the Washington Directory from 1822 and explore the regular people living in the city, including our fifth president, James Monroe. See the page that's really interesting!

1939 Tourist Footage of Washington

Check out this great film footage of Washington, D.C. from back in 1939.

View of house at 800 16th Street NW once occupied by Secretary of State John Hay (1898-1905).

Exploring the History of the Iconic Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington DC

Take a look into the history of the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington DC. Learn about the home of former Secretary of State John Hay and view rare photos from 1888 and 1898.

Notice the decked/tunneled section south of Fort Totten, then the over 90-degree turn to the east, then the decked/tunneled section between Galloway Street and Gallatin Street, with the Metrorail Glenmont Route (Red Line trains) following the North Central Freeway (I-95 south of Fort Totten and I-70S north of Fort Totten), and with the Metrorail Greenbelt Route (Green Line trains) following the Northeast Freeway (I-95 east of Fort Totten). The area between Galloway Street and Gallatin Street where the Northeast Freeway was proposed was mostly open fields then and still is now.

A Look Back at the 1971 Maps Showing I-95 Cutting Through D.C.

Take a look back at 1971 maps of what could have been I-95 cutting through D.C. Today, what is now 395, ends at New York Ave. NW. Get a glimpse into what could have been with these fascinating maps from 1971.

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Great Original Video Footage of 1949 Washington DC

Check out this rare footage from GoDCer Eric, sent in from 1949. Enjoy this amazing historical moment and share it with your friends!

The assassination of President Lincoln: at Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C., April 14th, 1865

The Program for April 14, 1865 at Ford's Theater - The Night President Lincoln Was Assassinated

Take a look at the program from April 14, 1865 at Ford's Theater - the night President Lincoln was assassinated. You can see the characters, actors and the ticket prices for the show. Incredible to think of what that audience experienced that night.

Sketches of Abraham Lincoln's Assassination

The Library of Congress has a large collection of graphic arts created over the course of two centuries. They depict famous locations and subjects. There are a large number dedicated to capturing the assassination and aftermath of President Lincoln. Below are an assortment, with descriptions. The text below this work says, “President Lincoln’s Last Reception, Respectfully Dedicated to the People of the United States.” Abraham Lincoln’s last reception Source: Library of...