Washington, DC History & Old Stories of DC

Air Florida Flight 90 Tragedy: Blizzard, Heroism, and the Potomac's Icy Waters

Explore the harrowing tale of Air Florida Flight 90's crash into the Potomac River during Washington D.C.'s 1982 blizzard. Uncover stories of tragedy, remarkable heroism, and the city's struggle amidst a day of unparalleled despair.

Why Is It Named Centreville?

Centreville, VA was established in 1792 by local landowners with the intent of creating a center point between the more established towns: Alexandria, Colchester, Dumfries, Middleburg, Georgetown, Warrenton, and Leesburg. Learn more about its fascinating origin story here.

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Abandoned Capitol Traction Company Powerhouse in 1967

These haunting 1967 photos show the inside and outside of the old Capitol Traction Company Powerhouse, previously located on the Georgetown waterfront.

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Where Can You Have an Embassy in Washington, D.C.?

You can't build an embassy anywhere in D.C. Check out this map from 1987 showing where it's okay to have your diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C.

Machine gun sets up outside the Lincoln Memorial on December 8th, 1941

The Day After Pearl Harbor: A Look at the Lincoln Memorial

Take a look at what the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. looked like the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked. Reminiscent of the day after 9/11, this historic moment in history is remembered and honored here.

Washington, D.C. Automobile store on 14th Street which has stock of frozen cars

The Mysterious Old Building on 14th St. in Logan Circle: A 1942 Photo and Today

Take a look at an old building on 14th St. in Logan Circle, DC in 1942 and today. The US government froze sales of all new automobiles in January 1942, and this building was an automobile dealership at the time. See the photos and find out what's happening on the block today.

1877 view of the Washington Monument under construction as seen from the Tower of the Smithsonian (now the Smithsonian Castle)

1877 View of the Washington Monument Under Construction as Seen from the Smithsonian

See what the Washington Monument looked like in 1877, as seen from the Tower of the Smithsonian (now the Smithsonian Castle). This stunning view shows the Monument under construction, a testament to the resilience of the nation.

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A Look at Historic Homes in Washington Heights from 1904 and Today

Take a look back in time with this cool old advertisement from 1904 for homes in Washington Heights. Compare it to what the same homes look like today using Google Street View!

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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.

Wide view of the Old Harvard Street Bridge across Rock Creek Park taken from the south (down creek) side. A dirt road with a log fence appears on the right.

Exploring the Harvard St. Bridge in Washington, DC

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.

Two girls view the cherry blossoms at night from the Tidal Basin, undated, Scurlock Studio. Scurlock Studio Records, c. 1905-1994, Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Neg. no. 2008-4935.

Exploring a Rare Photograph of the Washington Monument and Cherry Blossoms

Discover a rare photograph of the Washington Monument and cherry blossoms taken in the 1940s or 1950s. We dug this photo up in the Smithsonian Archives. Explore this beautiful picture!

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"Past and present in locomotives. Eckington Yards, June 4, 1923." A closeup of the locomotive in the Baltimore & Ohio rail yard during the Masonic convention in Washington, D.C. The big engine wears the livery of "Boumi Temple," a Baltimore Shrine lodge. 5x7 glass negative.

Exploring the History of Washington D.C.'s Eckington Rail Yard

Take a look back at the history of Washington D.C.'s Eckington Rail Yard with rare photos from the 1920s, a map from 1919, and a modern comparison to the FedEx shipping center at the intersection of New York Ave. and Florida Ave.

A Look Back: The Washington Senators in 1924

Take a look back at the 1924 Washington Senators with this historic photo from the Library of Congress. Learn more about the team's history with the Ghosts of DC.

Exploring the Area Around Union Market and Gallaudet University in 1907

Take a journey back in time to 1907 with this map showing the area around Union Market and Gallaudet University. Learn more with this exploration of the past!

Treasury target range completed. Washington, D.C., June 10. The Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., has installed a new and modern target range in the sub basement of the Treasury Building. The range has shielded lights and electrically operated targets, is sound proof and ventilated by a fan which removes gases almost instantly. Entrance to the firing booths is through two doors which act as an air lock and prevent sound and gas from going into the outer rooms. Left to right in the picture: R.P. Hallion, White House Police; J.E. Murphy, assistant chief, Secret Service; E.L. Warden, White House Police; E.D. Murray, chief bonus mate, Coast Guard; Frank J. Wilson, chief of Secret Service; J.J. Cash, White House Police; Adam T. Smith, gunners mate, 1st. class, Coast Guard; and Elmer Irey, coordinator, Treasury Enforcement Services, 6-10-40

Uncovering the Mystery of the 1940 Treasury Target Range

Join us as we uncover the mystery of the 1940 Treasury Target Range in Washington, D.C. We'll explore the range's shielded lights, electrically operated targets, sound proofing, and more. Learn the history behind this fascinating piece of history.

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