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Posted In From the Crazy Vault

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Shark Attacks in the Potomac in 1911?
In the early 20th century there was a somewhat corroborated rumor of shark attacks in the Potomac River. Read the unbelievable story.
Laurel, Maryland. July 31, 1922. "Two B&O freights wrecked in head-on crash at Laurel switch." National Photo Company glass negative (Shorpy)
Investigating a Massive Train Wreck in 1922 Laurel, Maryland
Take a look at the aftermath of a massive train collision in 1922 Laurel, Maryland - two freight trains barreling down the same track towards each other in a massive explosion of steel and coal. Read the Washington Post report and see more photos of the crash site.
Albert Ernest Beitzell (from GoDCer Christina)
A Crazy Story of Suicide at the Garrick Club in 1907
GoDCer Christina has a family connection to the Garrick Club suicide story of 1907. Read the incredible story and see a photo of Christina's great-grand uncle A.E. Beitzell. Plus, related articles from Ghosts of DC.
Locomotive and cars through the concourse (Photo courtesy of Trains magazine)
The Incredible Story of Dwight Eisenhower’s Inaugural Train Wreck at Union Station
Relive the incredible story of the train wreck that occurred at Union Station just days before Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration in 1953. Miraculously, no fatalities occurred, but the station was left in shambles. Learn the amazing recovery story!
guy digging grave
Grave Robbing in Walter Pierce Park: The Story of Vijo Jansen
Learn the story of Vijo Jansen, the notorious "resurrectionist" who was caught grave robbing in Walter Pierce Park in the 19th century. Read about his arrest and the ghastly scene that was discovered in the wagon.
Medical students dissect a cadaver during the Civil War (National Museum of Civil War Medicine)
The Gruesome Tale of Charles Shaw & Grave Robbing in 19th Century DC
Discover the gruesome tale of Charles Shaw, convicted of murdering his sister & sentenced to death in 1883 DC. Unearth the dark world of 19th century body-harvesting & grave-robbing for medical research in this macabre story.
James Madison Wyatt Stone in the Washington Post
The Bizarre Story of James Madison Wyatt Stone's Decapitation During a Hanging in 1880
Read the bizarre story of James Madison Wyatt Stone's execution in 1880, which resulted in his decapitation during a hanging. This article from the Washington Post is filled with gruesome details that are sure to shock and horrify.
1907 Baist real estate atlas of 14th and Monroe St. NW
The Horrible Tragedy of Columbia Heights in 1906
Explore the tragedy of Columbia Heights in 1906, where nine mysterious deaths occurred in the span of 12 months. Read about the horrific events that took place in this DC neighborhood.
The Cairo Building
The Terrifying Tale of Albert Deal's 120-Foot Elevator Shaft Fall
This is the incredible story of Albert Deal, a Pennsylvania steamfitter who fell 120 feet down an elevator shaft at the Cairo Flats in 1894. Miraculously, he survived with only a sprained back! Find out the story behind this amazing tale.
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Growlers Go: The Irony of Banning Growlers in 1905 Washington, DC
In 1905, District authorities were fighting to ban growlers in the city, claiming access to cheap beer was damaging to society. Read about the irony of the argument and how it still rings true today.

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Ghosts of DC stories.