Photos of yesterday, featuring regular people and regular places.
Friday, July 4th, 1919
Interesting costumes. Even more interesting facial expressions.
View of Swampoodle from Capitol Building in 1861
Here’s a good one to study. This is a view from the Capitol Building looking north, very early during the Civil War.
Ghostly Photo of the Test Pilot
Below is a photograph of the Rex Smith aeroplane, being piloted by Antony Jannus around 1911.
Amazing 360-Degree View of City From Capitol Dome in 1863
Wow, these are awesome. Click on them for greater detail because they are pretty amazing. Sorry I just wasted at least 30 minutes of your time at work! Thank you Library of Congress. UPDATE:...
Blaine Mansion Near Dupont Circle in 1900
What an amazing photograph of Blaine Mansion in 1900. This is the only old Dupont Circle “castle” still standing. It’s also a great place to get some pizza and delicious craft beer today.
Chevy Chase Ice Palace
Here’s a great photo from November 1942. It’s from the Chevy Chase Ice Palace.
Panoramic View of Washington in 1879
Here is a series of photographs we have not seen before. This is a five-part panorama showing the mall area and surrounding buildings, from the Smithsonian Castle. Left section shows the Washington Monument under...
Park and Shop on Connecticut Avenue
If you live in Cleveland Park, or have ever seen a movie at the Uptown, you will recognize the photo below. This is the Park and Shop at Connecticut Ave. and Ordway St. It...
Margaret Gorman: First Miss America and Washingtonian
You may not know this, but the First Miss America was a born and raised Washingtonian. The beauty pageant might be seen as completely irrelevant and anachronistic today, but there was a time when...