A blog about the history of Washington, D.C.
What state is Washington, D.C. in?
Is it Maryland, Virginia or neither?
Some people actually ask this question. Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States and the seat of the federal government. Both Maryland and Virginia gave land to the new federal district and it was officially founded on July 16th, 1790. So, technically and historically, the land used to be part of both states. But, the Virginia part was given back in 1847 and now consists of Arlington and Alexandria. Established by the Constitution, the location on the Potomac River was selected by President George Washington as a compromise between the northern and southern states.
If you like history and you’re interested in the District of Columbia, you’re going to love this blog.
What is the history of D.C. street names and neighborhoods?
How much do you know about D.C. neighorhoods?
D.C. street names have a fascinating history, including a lot of changes in the early 20th century. Wisconsin Ave. used to be High St. and M St. was Bridge St. Adams Morgan used to be Washington Heights. And, Hancock Circle? Well, that was never built as planned at 16th and U St. NW. In fact, do you know why it’s called Washington, D.C. to begin with?
Learn about how these places were named.
Is D.C. a baseball town?
Yes it is, and it goes back to the early days.
Contrary to the old adage coined by Charles Dryden — “first in war, first in pear, last in the American League” — the Washington Senators, originally known as the Nationals, were a solid team in the early days, led by Walter Johnson. The Nationals of 2019 made those old boys proud by locking up the first World Series win in D.C. since 1924.
Read stories about baseball in D.C. including the Senators, the Nationals, and Walter Johnson.
What buildings and neighborhoods are long gone?
Have you heard of Swampoodle, Murder Bay, or Hooker’s Division?
The City of Washington has lost countless beautiful buildings to the wrecking ball, all in the name of progress. Some of that is good, some not so good. Whole neighborhoods have been lost, like Swampoodle to make way for Union Station, Murder Bay and Hooker’s Division to make way for Federal Triangle. Pretty much all of Southwest was wiped out in the 1950s. And yes, there was a real Hell’s Bottom near today’s Logan Circle, which once had a “king of Hell’s Bottom“.
Read up on old neighborhoods and buildings that have disappeared.
What are some bizarre stories from D.C. history?
Truth is stranger than fiction in D.C.
You better believe there are bizarre stories from the past like flying saucers over the Capitol, a grave robber in Adams Morgan, and a child born on Key Bridge. Don’t miss the stories about opium dens on Pennsylvania Ave., artillery fire on Wisconsin Ave., saloon brawls, and a rum runner named Nubby Nuckols.
Check out all the crazy stories we’ve dug up in the archives.
