These are sad stories about things that no longer exist in Washington, D.C.
In the 1950s, the top entertainers in the country performed on 14th Street NW. By the early 1980s, it was known as Washington’s “combat zone,” lined with topless bars and adult bookstores. By 1986, it was rubble. What happened in between reveals how gentrification works when moral crusades and economic interests perfectly align.
Explore the history behind Washington, D.C.’s indoor smoking ban—from smoky bars and political battles to the 2007 law that cleared the air. Discover how health advocacy, public support, and city council debates transformed the District into a smoke-free capital.
Explore the history of the Godey Lime Kilns—19th-century ovens that helped build D.C.—from their rise, decline, and preservation in Foggy Bottom.
Explore the visionary plan for revitalizing Pennsylvania Avenue, blending history with modernity to reimagine “America’s Main Street” for the future.
Explore the history of the Old Glass House, Washington D.C.’s first glass factory established in 1807, and its impact on early American industry and community development.
Uncover the forgotten history of Braddock’s Rock – a 7-foot Potomac landmark from Colonial America that was conquered by Washington D.C.’s urban expansion only to vanish underground. Rediscover this site tied to key figures like George Washington and Edward Braddock which blazed the trail for the future capital’s surveyed beginnings despite modern obscurity.
Peoples Drug was DC’s beloved pharmacy chain for over 80 years. From its first store at 824 7th St. NW in 1905 to CVS’s acquisition in 1990, here’s the full history.
Wait, Andre the Giant tried out for the Washington Redskins? Did that really happen? You have to read more to find out the story.
Take a look at what could have been! Howard University proposed extending Vermont Ave. from Florida Ave. to Georgia Ave. back in 1919. See the maps, read the letter of rejection, and check out the intersection today on Google Maps.
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.
