Posted In Historical Events

Washington, D.C., circa 1919. "Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. switchboards." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

The History of the Telephone in Washington, D.C.: From the Civil War to the Present

Learn about the history of the telephone in Washington, D.C., from the Civil War to the present. Read about the first telephone directory, the first telephone exchange, and the first telephone operators in D.C.

In The Paper: The National Republican – February 21st, 1885, the Day the Washington Monument Was Dedicated

Read the front page of The National Republican from February 21st, 1885, the day the Washington Monument was dedicated. In our "In The Paper" series, explore the history of the nation's capital as presented in local newspapers.

Last World Series in Washington, D.C.

When was the last World Series in Washington? Before 2019, is was 1933 when the Senators played, and lost to, the New York Giants in five games.

Budweiser Clydesdales in D.C. after the repeal (cnbc.com)

The Day the First Liquor License was Issued in D.C. After Prohibition

On February 28th 1934, the first liquor license was issued in Washington, D.C. after the Sheppard Bone-Dry Act of 1917 put a major damper on libations. Learn more about the repeal of Prohibition in D.C. and the National Press Club's first liquor license!

Leaflet calling for funds to help complete the Washington Monument by John Carroll Brent in 1854 (Library of Congress)

John Carroll Brent's Appeal for Funds to Complete the Washington Monument in 1854

In 1854, John Carroll Brent called upon Americans to donate funds to complete the Washington Monument with the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Learn more about this failed attempt and the history of the monument.

February 1913. "Woman suffrage -- hikers arriving in Washington from New York." Today marks the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. Over the next few days we'll post some more suffrage photos. Harris & Ewing glass negative. (Shorpy)

Uncovering History: A Look at the Suffragette Parade in Washington, D.C.

Take a look at this incredible photo of a suffragette parade in Washington, D.C. from 1914. Learn more about the history of the suffragette movement and see another photo from 1913. Don't miss out!

reward poster by the War Department for Booth, Surratt and Herold (Library of Congress)

The Assassination of President Lincoln: The War Department's Wanted Poster

The assassination of President Lincoln is one of the most tragic events in the history of Washington. Learn about the War Department's wanted poster for the conspirators and the massive hunt for them in the days following the assassination.

Wreck of the Crescent Limited train on the Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge over the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Flood waters from a storm undermined the bridge's pilings, which led to the crash on August 24, 1933. The engineer died in the wreck. (Library of Congress)

The 1933 Chesapeake and Potomac Hurricane: The Wreck of the Crescent Limited Train

On August 23, 1933, the fast express train, The Crescent Limited, left New York and was speeding towards Washington's Union Station when it met disaster in the form of the Chesapeake and Potomac Hurricane. Read this post to learn more about the wreck, its aftermath, and the bridge today.

Witnessing History: The Sight of the 747 and Space Shuttle Fly By Over DC

History happened on April 17th when the 747 and Space Shuttle flew by DC. Witness the amazing sight with this video post shared by the Department of Interior. Plus, see a great shot from NASA's Flickr feed!

"Tilden or Blood" by Thomas Nast in Harper's weekly - Febuary 17th 1877 (Wikipedia)

What Happened on Election Day in 1876?

National Republican – Tuesday, November 7th, 1876 If you’re a history buff — and a presidential history buff — you’re well aware of the 1876 U.S. Presidential election. This is not a post about that. You can read up on the whole election on Wikipedia as well as the resulting “corrupt bargain,” the Compromise of 1877 — ending military occupation of the southern states (effectively ending Reconstruction) and installing the Republican, Rutherford...

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