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Guest Posts

History stories contributed by DC residents, historians, and readers who know something worth sharing.

Where is the Original Dupont Circle Statue?

April 27, 2026January 20, 2023 by ghostsofdc

The original statue of Samuel DuPont sat for more than a generation at the center of Dupont Circle. Then it was removed because people thought it was ugly. Read the story to learn more.

Categories Guest Posts, Lost History, Notable People & Places Tags 1880s, 1920s, Dupont Circle 2 Comments

Metro’s 1968 Mockup Station: Before the First Tunnel Was Dug

November 9, 2022April 6, 2022 by ghostsofdc
"Full size mockup of partial Metro station 1968" from Harry Weese Associates' 1994 book describing Metro's early plans.

In 1968, WMATA spent $69,000 on a full-scale mockup of a Metro station to test the design before construction began. At just 17 feet long, it looked right but went nowhere.

Categories Guest Posts Tags 1960s, 1970s, Transit

A Brief History of Brunch in D.C.

November 2, 2023March 15, 2022 by ghostsofdc

What is the history of brunch in Washington? The word dates back to 1895 and started appearing the the local papers in the early 20th century. Are you hungry?

Categories Guest Posts Tags 1930s, 1950s, 1970s

It’s 4:20 Somewhere

November 9, 2022April 20, 2019 by ghostsofdc

Hazy blue smoke surrounds the origins of the annual Fourth of July Smoke-In. Though it now takes place in Lafayette Square, across the barricaded street from the White House, it began on the Mall.

Categories Guest Posts, Historical Events Tags 1970s, National Mall

“The President’s Walk” Was Almost Reagan’s Last

April 27, 2026July 6, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Hinckley was arrested and found not guilty of his charges by reason of insanity. He was sent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC, less than ten minutes from the place he attempted to assassinate Reagan.

Categories Guest Posts, Historical Events Tags 1980s, Politics 2 Comments

Remembering the Women’s Suffrage March of 1913: A Bold Move to Gain Attention and the Right to Vote

November 9, 2022May 11, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Remembering the Women’s Suffrage March of 1913 and the efforts of suffragettes in the United States to gain the right to vote. This magnificent parade and rally on March 3, 1913 was designed to gain the attention of the public and the president of the United States.

Categories Guest Posts Tags 1910s, Women's suffrage

The Little Green House on K Street

December 18, 2022March 31, 2015 by ghostsofdc

At 16th and K St. NW, there once sat a three story Victorian town home, the site of corrupt political dealings within the Harding administration, This is its story.

Categories Guest Posts, Lost History Tags 1920s, 1940s, Architecture, Politics 1 Comment

Exploring the History of Childs Restaurant in Washington, DC

November 9, 2022March 18, 2015 by ghostsofdc
The Pennsylvania Avenue Childs around 1917

Discover the fascinating history of Childs Restaurant in Washington, DC – the chain that originated in New York City and spread southward. Learn about the unique building of the Massachusetts Ave. location and more.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Guest Posts, Lost History Tags 1890s, 1920s, Bars & Restaurants, Pennsylvania Avenue 2 Comments

The Knickerbocker Theater Collapse: DC’s Deadliest Disaster, January 28, 1922

May 16, 2026March 16, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Exterior of the Knickerbocker on opening day, 1917

Just after 9pm on January 28, 1922, the Knickerbocker’s roof caved in mid-comedy. Ninety-eight died. It is still DC’s deadliest disaster.

Categories Guest Posts, Historical Events Tags 1920s, Adams Morgan, Theaters 6 Comments
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