I was poking around the archives of both The Washington Post and The Washington Times to come across a gem of a story to share and the one that caught my eye involved two Georgetown boatmen engaged in a brutal fight to the death.
Reading through any article titled “Murder in Georgetown,” you’re primed for a taste of some horrid scandal or macabre titillation that a Ghosts of DC reader has come to expect.
C&O Canal from Wisconsin Avenue Bridge, Georgetown circa 1920...
Follow the story of Julius Daranyi, a midget traffic cop in Washington DC in 1924. Relive this unique moment in history, complete with original Washington Post article, photographs, and related articles.
In January 1973, Senator John Stennis of Mississippi was shot in the chest and leg in DC's Cleveland Park neighborhood. He survived 6 1/2 hours of surgery and two Washington teenagers were charged. Read the full story here.
Get an up-close look at the 1917 wreck at Massachusetts Ave. and 21st St. NW in Washington, DC, featuring two casually curious onlookers. Relive the scene with photos, then explore related articles.
Explore the history of Washington's red light district in the 1970s and 80s, and the rise of development that eventually drove out the unsavory sex shops. Featuring an article from the Washington Post in 1978.
Explore the life of Dr. Clark Johnson, a charlatan who sold the miracle cure-all Indian Blood Syrup. See pictures of old bottles, read instructions and more!
This is an odd story from the Washington Times. The paper reported on August 11th, 1908 the arrest of a young five-year-old. Yes, a little kid was arrested and it's a bizarre story. Learn more about the unusual arrest of five-year-old Gus Oputz in Washington D.C. in 1908.
Learn the wild story of William F. Matteson, a real estate dealer in Washington D.C. who filed a divorce and two suits against his wife's lovers for the alleged alienation of her affections. Find out the results of the tumultuous legal battle and the drama that unfolded.
This macabre story from the Washington Post in 1903 chronicles the tragic death of Edward M. Fossler, an elevator conductor at the New Willard Hotel. Learn more about this gruesome accident and the hotel that wasn't even fully complete yet.
