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Georgetown waterfront
Smallpox Patient Roams the Streets of Georgetown and D.C. in 1881
Take a step back in time to 1881 Washington D.C. and Georgetown, where a smallpox patient was roaming the streets and spreading infection. Read the story of how it was dealt with in this article from The Washington Post.
Naked wild man
The Mysterious Wild Man of Tenleytown in 1894
Read about the mysterious wild man of Tenleytown in 1894. Descriptions of the individual were lacking, but sightings of a half-nude crazy man were happening across the area. Find out what happened when the wild man walked into the police station!
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The 1927 Tornado that Devastated D.C. and Alexandria
On November 17th, 1927 a large tornado ripped through the area, destroying over 200 homes in D.C. and 300 structures in Alexandria. Read about the damages and see the photos from library of Congress on Ghosts of DC.
sign at the National Zoo
A Look Back at the National Zoo Sign from 1943 and the Lion Statues in House of Cards
Take a look back at the amusing sign posted at the National Zoo in 1943 and the history behind the lion statues in the opening credits of House of Cards. Source: Library of Congress.
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Marines Were Given a 'Shoot to Kill' Order on a Train Leaving Union Station in 1921
In 1921, the Secretary of Treasury, Edwin Denby, issued a 'shoot to kill' order to the Marines on a train leaving Union Station in Washington. Read the full story here!
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The Tragic 1969 Shooting on 13th Street in Washington, DC and the Return of Apollo 10
On May 26th, 1969, an argument over a dog ended in tragedy with the fatal shooting of William Fields Jr. in 13th Street NW Washington, DC. On the same day, Apollo 10 returned to Earth after NASA's final test runs for the mission to the moon.
Brown bulldog standing on grass
The Wild Dog of Potomac Park: The Story of Queen, Slain in 1913
Read the story of Queen, the wild dog of Potomac Park who was slain in 1913. Learn about Queen's reign of terror over pedestrians and motor car drivers, and the efforts to shoot her that ultimately failed.
Key Bridge
Birth of Patti Sue Williams: Unbelievable Story of a Baby Born on Key Bridge in 1956
In an incredible story of a mother's dedication, The Washington Post reported in 1956 on the birth of Patti Sue Williams on Key Bridge in Fairfax. Read the article excerpts and find out whether you know this brave woman!
guns kill people
From the Baltimore Sun to the U.S. Census: Uncovering the Tragic Tale of Rudolph and Mary Scheitlin
Digging through old newspaper archives and the U.S. Census, uncover the tragic tale of Rudolph and Mary Scheitlin that was printed in The Baltimore Sun in 1905. Learn the story of their rocky marriage, her dalliances and the fateful night that ended in murder.
1921 headline
Oh My! 'Suggestive Songs' Not Good in 1921 Georgetown: A Look at the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity Noise Complaint
We came across an amusing headline from 1921 about a noise complaint against the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity in Georgetown. Times never change do they? Read on to find out more about this 'suggestive songs' noise complaint!

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