On November 21, 1929, a boiler explosion in the basement of the McCrory five-and-dime store in Washington, D.C. killed six people and injured dozens more. The legacy of the McCrory disaster serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need to remain vigilant in upholding high standards of safety and prevention.
The first overland long-distance telegraph line in the United States was between Baltimore and Washington in 1843. This map shows all telegraph lines in Washington in 1880.
Here are three other notable things that happened at the Watergate. The Reagans had to exit the building by candlelight because the power went out. There were bomb threats and a major protest of the Chicago Seven trial.
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.
Take a look at these incredible Civil War photos of Alexandria, VA from 1861. See the steam frigate Pensacola in all its glory and click on it for some amazing details. Source: Library of Congress.
Get a better look at the Old State Department Building during the Civil War with this amazing photo. Click on it for some amazing details and find out why there are a large number of wooden boxes at the main entrance to the building.
The first State of the Union was in 1800 by our second president, John Adams. Thomas Jefferson began the tradition of passing along the state of the union in writing to Congress, allegedly because he felt he was an inadequate public speaker.
In 1913, the task of speaking directly to a joint session of Congress was reestablished by Woodrow Wilson.
Woodrow Wilson revived the tradition of the oral State of the Union address (1913)
Gentlemen of the Congress:
In pursuance of my constitutional duty...