stelmosfire
St. Elmo’s Bar in Georgetown: The Real Story Behind the Iconic Film and The Tombs
Discover the real-life inspiration for St. Elmo’s Bar from the iconic 1985 movie. Georgetown’s The Tombs played a starring role in shaping this classic spot.
Inside the National Air and Space Museum: Source: Smithsonian
When Was the Air and Space Museum Built? A Historical Overview
Discover the origins of the Air and Space Museum in this historical journey – when was it built and how it became an iconic institution.
dining room at the New Willard
Willard Hotel Photos From 1904
What did the Willard Hotel look like just after it was built in the early 1900s. This series of photos shows the ornate interior as it was back then.
Screenshot 2021-12-31 9.32
Ad for Row Houses on Euclid Street in 1907
These homes on Euclid Street were some of the first in Washington designed by a woman. Check our the ads from 1907.
SHORPY-32438u
An Incredible Look Back: A Photo of the JCC at 16th and Q from When It Opened in 1926
Take a look back in time with this incredible photo from 1926. It shows the Jewish Community Center (JCC) at 16th and Q shortly after it opened.
Swampoodle Grounds (near present day Union Station), also known as Capitol Park, was the home of the Washington Nationals baseball team of the National League from 1886 to 1889.
This Fascinating Old Photograph Shows the Washington Nationals Playing at Swampoodle Grounds in the 1880s
This old photograph from the 1880s shows the Washington Nationals playing at Swampoodle Grounds. Click on the image to see amazing details. Source: Architect of the Capitol.
Washington during the Civil War
Take a Look Back in Time with this 1861 Photo of Washington, DC
Take a step back in time with this 1861 photo of Washington, DC. Click on it for a larger version and marvel at the history of our nation's capital! Source: Library of Congress.
Potomac River in 1898
A Rare Photo of the Potomac River from 1898
Take a look at this stunning photo of the Potomac River from 1898. Learn more about this rare photo from the Library of Congress and read comments from the GhostsofDC community.
Screen Shot 2015-02-21 at 9.22
Explore Virginia in Unprecedented Detail with this Incredible Civil War Map
Discover an incredible Civil War map of part of Virginia from Alexandria to the Potomac River above Washington, D.C. Click on the image for a much larger version. Source: Library of Congress.
Washington, D.C. "Flood, April 30, 1923." Also some 91-year-old graffiti: "EH L TD." National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
The Aftermath of the April 1923 Flood in Washington, D.C.: A Photo and Streetcar Story
In April 1923, Washington, D.C. experienced a major flood. This blog post takes a look at the aftermath with a photo of the flood and a streetcar that's seen better days. Learn more about this historic event here.
Woodrow Wilson stands in the front of a convertible automobile stopped in the intersection of what was then N and Union Streets SW. Wilson, the driver of the car, and two woman in the back look east at something happening on N Street. A crowd gathered under a tree near the car and people in front of 485 N Street also look in the same direction. Two Secret Service agents look at the photographer. Written on the reverse is "Barney Neighborhood House, 470 N Street SW." Wilson had only been President of the US for two months when the photo was taken.
Woodrow Wilson in Southwest D.C.: An Old Photo from May 1913
Take a trip back in time to May 1913 with this amazing old photograph of the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, driving around Southwest D.C. in a car!
1810 Shepherd St.
A Look at 1810 Shepherd St. in Washington, DC: Then and Now
Take a look at 1810 Shepherd St. in Washington, DC, from the 1950s to today. See how the building has changed over the years. Check it out on Ghosts of DC!
Engraving of the Capitol after it was burned in August 1814
Engravings of the President's House and the Capitol Building Following the Burning of Washington in 1814
Explore these amazing engravings of the President's House and the Capitol Building following the Burning of Washington on August 24, 1814. The engravings were done by William Strickland and depict the destruction caused by the British attack and subsequent tornado.
"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.
Rhode Island Ave. 1904
Uncovering a Piece of History: Exploring Rhode Island Ave. in 1904
GoDCer Andy sent in a plethora of great material and one postcard in particular showed Rhode Island Ave in 1904. Uncover this piece of history and explore what Rhode Island Ave was like in 1904 with Ghosts of DC.

Enjoy daily

Ghosts of DC stories.

No thanks.