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1922 Ad Reveals How Electric Railways Transformed Arlington
Electric railways drove Arlington's transformation from rural to suburban between 1892-1941. This history shows how rail paved the way for the county's growth.
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Claude Grahame-White's Daring Landing at the White House in 1910
Witness the incredible feat of aviation pioneer Claude Grahame-White as he lands his biplane on West Executive Avenue next to the White House in 1910. Read the amazing story and see the photos here!
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"The President's Walk" Was Almost Reagan's Last
Hinckley was arrested and found not guilty of his charges by reason of insanity. He was sent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC, less than ten minutes from the place he attempted to assassinate Reagan.
Robert Mills's original design for the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.
Washington Monument's Original Design: A Look at Robert Mills' Ornate Vision
Explore the rich history behind the Washington Monument's construction, from its visionary inception in 1833 to the challenges and controversies it faced, culminating in the iconic obelisk we recognize today.
Cabin John Bridge
Uncovering the Mystery of the Cabin John Bridge: Can Anyone Help Date This Image?
Uncovering the mystery of the Cabin John Bridge: We found this image at the Library of Congress and it says it was done in 1852, though the bridge wasn't completed until the 1860s. Can anyone help date this image?
Plan of the city intended for the permanent seat of the government of t[he] United States : projected agreeable to the direction of the President of the United States, in pursuance of an act of Congress, passed on the sixteenth day of July, MDCCXC, "establishing the permanent seat on the bank of the Potowmac"
Exploring the Plan for the Federal City with a Terrific Old Map
Discover the plan for the federal city with a terrific old map from the Library of Congress. Explore the projected layout of the city to gain insight into the history of the United States.
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.
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Celebrating the 152nd Anniversary of the D.C. Emancipation Act
This week marks the 152nd anniversary of the D.C. Emancipation Act, which ended slavery in the District of Columbia and ultimately freed almost 3,000 slaves in Washington. Celebrate with a parade and other events, and read the transcript of the bill here.
Walter Johnson in 1939
Hear the Voice of Walter Johnson, The Greatest Pitcher of All Time
Thanks to the magic of the Internet Archive, we were able to uncover an audio recording of Walter Johnson, the greatest pitcher of all time. Hear his voice from 1939 and learn about the game's box score from The Washington Post.
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Explosion in Foggy Bottom: Was it a Meteor or a Bomb Outrage?
We came across an article in The Washington Post from August 17th, 1919, detailing an explosion in Foggy Bottom. Local officials were unable to identify the source of the explosion and an interesting theory was presented by others interviewed in the article. Was it a meteor or a bomb outrage?
bird's-eye view of Washington in 1905
Terrific 270-Degree View of 1905 Washington
Incredible panoramic view of Washington DC in 1905.
O Street Market on northwest corner of 7th and O Streets NW. (Emil A. Press Slide Collection, 1959)
The Evolution of O Street Market: Comparing 1959 to Today
See the incredible transformation of the O Street Market from 1959 to today. Check out how this landmark has changed, and the similarities that remain. Visit the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. to learn more!
Cheney and Rumsfeld in 1975
The 1975 Handover of Power at the White House: How Dick Cheney Replaced Donald Rumsfeld as Chief of Staff
This article takes a look at the 1975 handover of power at the White House, when Dick Cheney replaced Donald Rumsfeld as President Ford's Chief of Staff. Read to find out more about the transition and the men behind it!
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Homes for Rent in Washington from 1907: A Look at the Apartment Directory
Take a look back in time to when Washington DC was a bustling hub of activity. Our apartment directory from 1907 lists homes for rent in the city. Check it out to discover more about living in DC at the time!
Georgetown University 1918 Advertisement
Georgetown University Advertisement in 1918
The ad provides a glimpse into the past and the pivotal role that education played in the nation's war efforts. It is a testament to Georgetown University's dedication to serving the country and its commitment to upholding the values of service, justice, and the common good.

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