History stories contributed by DC residents, historians, and readers who know something worth sharing.
Discover the unexpected side of Frederick Douglass: the fighter who could joke about stealing something whenever he saw the Capitol Dome in Washington. Read this guest post by John (from The Lion of Anacostia) to explore the complexity of Douglass’ life.
Discover the long-lasting legacy of Frederick Douglass at Howard University, from raising funds to receiving an honorary doctorate to testifying before Congress. Read about his speech at Howard in 1878.
In late summer 1891 Frederick Douglass returned to the United States and attended a baseball game between the Cuban Giants and an All-Washington club. He was one of nearly 900 people in attendance. The Giants defeated the Washington team by a score of 8 to 5.
This is a guest post by John (from The Lion of Anacostia), cross-posted here. An article from the Washington Post about President Grover Cleveland and Col. Daniel S. Lamont getting lost in 19th century Anacostia while attempting to visit Fred Douglass at Cedar Hill.
Metro trains were almost painted tomato red. Designer Carl Sundberg killed the idea over $9,000 per car in paint costs.
Frederick Douglass was a self-made man and advocate for equal education in Washington. He served on the Board of Trustees for Howard University for 25 years, giving speeches and raising money to help the students. Read about his impact and legacy.
This post recounts a letter from Washington, D.C. in 1886 discussing the violence on the streets of Anacostia. Reports and perceptions of violence and criminality in Anacostia are over-rated and have a history.
Discover the story of Jasper Johns’ first lithographs in Washington, D.C. and the surprise location where they were presented – it’s not what you’d expect! Read the full post here.
The District’s peacetime population exploded as government grew and workers – men and women – flocked to new jobs. It was 1940. Census employees hit the streets in April. They determined that D.C. had grown rapidly.
