940x937
Massimo Vignelli: The Visionary Behind the Washington Metro's Iconic Design
Explore the legacy of Massimo Vignelli, the visionary designer behind the Washington Metro's iconic look. Discover how his philosophy of simplicity and functionality shaped the visual identity of D.C.'s public transit system.
image-5
Braddock’s Rock: A Stone Steeped in History and Controversy
Uncover the forgotten history of Braddock’s Rock – a 7-foot Potomac landmark from Colonial America that was conquered by Washington D.C.’s urban expansion only to vanish underground. Rediscover this site tied to key figures like George Washington and Edward Braddock which blazed the trail for the future capital’s surveyed beginnings despite modern obscurity.
Alexandria real estate advertisement (1920)
Can You Find These Homes Today? I Did Some Sleuthing and This is What I Found
Can you find the homes shown in this 1920 Alexandria real estate advertisement? I did some sleuthing and this is what I found. Take a look at the Google Street View and see what you think! Plus, a super random historical context about George Gipp.
04909u-featured
Exploring the Historical Context of Union Station in Washington, D.C. on August 14, 1963
Take a look at a cool old photo of Union Station in Washington, D.C. taken by Thomas O'Halloran on August 14, 1963. Learn more about the historical context of the photo including the Great Train Robbery, James Meredith's graduation, and the March on Washington.
Screenshot from 2023-01-27 20-25-41
What Could Have Been: Howard University's Proposed Extension of Vermont Ave. in 1919
Take a look at what could have been! Howard University proposed extending Vermont Ave. from Florida Ave. to Georgia Ave. back in 1919. See the maps, read the letter of rejection, and check out the intersection today on Google Maps.
Screenshot-2022-04-04-10.32
Washington Homes For Sale in 1952
Look at the homes for sale around Washington in 1952. These great old real estate ads from The Evening Star show the booming market at the time.
service-pnp-habshaer-dc-dc0000-dc0047-photos-025853pv
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.
15th-I-st
A Look Back at the History of 910 15th St. NW in McPherson Square
Take a look back at the history of 910 15th St. NW in McPherson Square! Learn about the evolution of this DC landmark and how it's been transformed into the Camden Parc Apartments.
Screenshot 2019-04-15 at 9.45
Harry Wardman's Woodley Park Homes
Harry Wardman was a prolific developer of Northwest in the 1920s. This ad from The Evening Star shows some of his homes on Cathedral Ave. in Woodley Park.
19390
Exploring 1950s Washington, D.C. Through Film Footage
Discover Washington, D.C. from 1950s through film footage and narrative, including George Washington's slaves "living happily in their quarters." Watch the video to explore this fascinating era.
Chevy Chase home at 4104 Harrison St. NW
Exploring a 1923 Chevy Chase Home Through Real Estate Advertisements and Google Street View
Take a trip back in time and explore a 1923 Chevy Chase home through real estate advertisements and Google Street View. See what the home looked like nearly a century ago!
Thousands of people take part in a candlelight vigil on the National Mall in Washington D.C. September 12, 2001. (Photo: Reuters/Win McNamee/Newscom)
A Virtual Sea of Candles: Reflecting on September 11th, 2001, One Day Later
A look back at the candlelight vigil held on the Mall one day after the tragic events of September 11th. Read my reflections on the solemn event and see a photo of the virtual sea of candles that lined the Mall.
4a23112u
The Raleigh Hotel: A Glimpse into the Past of 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Take a journey back in time with this amazing photo of the long-lost Raleigh Hotel, formerly located at 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Learn the history of this iconic structure and its tragic removal.
1860s photo of a hackman and his hackney (in London)
Uncovering the Fascinating History of Washington's Hackmen: Pre-dating Uber Drivers by 160 Years
A fascinating look at the history of Washington's hackmen, who provided transportation to locals and visitors alike, pre-dating Uber drivers by about 160 years. Read on for old stories about the hackmen of the city, the growth of the business and the need for regulation and licensing.
1835 map of Washington
The Baltimore Sun Discusses the Possibility of Retroceding Georgetown to Maryland in 1839
In January 1839, The Baltimore Sun discussed the possibility of retroceding Georgetown to Maryland. Read about it here, plus check out an 1835 map of Washington D.C. to get the full picture.

Enjoy daily

Ghosts of DC stories.