Historical maps of Washington, DC, from L’Enfant’s plan to twentieth-century plats. Watch the city draw itself in, block by block.
This 1883 bird’s-eye view of Washington, D.C. comes from the Library of Congress. The Washington Monument was just two years from completion. The city’s street grid is laid out, but the Mall and its monuments looked nothing like they do today.
Explore an old map of Washington in 1880 and discover the exact locations of the fire stations and police stations. Learn about the history of the city through this fascinating map.
What did the land in and around Washington look like at the end of the 18th century? This map shows the Carroll family land in what would grow into DC.
Take a look back in time to explore DC in 1903 with this map of the Department of State! See the dog pound at 23rd and C St. and the Herdic-Phaeton building at 19th and E St.
Take a journey back in time to 1907 with this map showing the area around Union Market and Gallaudet University. Learn more with this exploration of the past!
Take a look at this 1861 Civil War map of the D.C. area to explore the District’s history of war
Take a look at the evolution of Carlin Springs Subdivision in Alexandria, now Arlington County. See a map from 1890 and compare it to a map from today. Visit the Library of Congress to learn more.
Take a journey back in time to 1850s Washington with this detailed map which marks all the buildings, roads, and rural property owners. Discover fascinating large plots of land outside Boundary Street with this map from the Library of Congress.
Explore East Capitol Street in 1888 with this historic map. Find wood and brick buildings from over a century ago. Discover a piece of DC history with this interactive map from the Library of Congress.
