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Lost History

Washington, DC neighborhoods and buildings that aren’t there anymore. Murder Bay, the old Center Market, brownstones erased for federal office blocks.

Andre The Giant Almost Played for the Redskins?

April 27, 2026January 31, 2023 by ghostsofdc

Wait, Andre the Giant tried out for the Washington Redskins? Did that really happen? You have to read more to find out the story.

Categories Lost History Tags 1970s, Sports

What Could Have Been: Howard University’s Proposed Extension of Vermont Ave. in 1919

October 22, 2023January 28, 2023 by ghostsofdc

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.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps, Lost History Tags 1910s, Howard University 12 Comments

Where is the Original Dupont Circle Statue?

June 18, 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 Lost History, Notable People & Places Tags 1880s, 1920s, Dupont Circle 2 Comments

Bartholdi Fountain Almost Moved to Dupont Circle in 1881

April 27, 2026January 16, 2023 by ghostsofdc

The Bartholdi Fountain on Capitol Hill was almost moved to Dupont Circle at the request of James Blaine. Until history intervened.

Categories Lost History, Notable People & Places Tags 1880s, Dupont Circle, Landmarks, Politics

Hamilton “Ghost” Circle and Fairview Heights Near the Cathedral

November 9, 2022April 11, 2022 by ghostsofdc

The neighborhood surrounding the circle was once dubbed Fairview Heights, which no longer seems to appear on any contemporary maps.

Categories Lost History Tags 1900s, Woodley Park 3 Comments

The Kennedy Center: A Look at the Proposed Design and the History Behind It

January 17, 2026March 2, 2022 by ghostsofdc
Proposed design for the Kennedy Center

Take a look at the proposed design for the Kennedy Center and the history behind it. Learn how the idea for a national cultural center dates back to 1933 and how it eventually became the Kennedy Center we know today.

Categories Lost History Tags 1960s, Kennedy Center 5 Comments

Early Rejected Designs for the National Air and Space Museum

May 11, 2026February 23, 2022 by ghostsofdc

The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum opened on the Mall on July 1, 1976, after 18 years and dozens of rejected designs.

Categories Lost History, Notable People & Places Tags 1960s, Landmarks, Smithsonian

Mid-1960s Vision for Washington’s Metro System

May 11, 2026February 21, 2022 by ghostsofdc
proposed Metro map in 1966

The proposals were published to convince transit officials that the 19-mile system authorized by Congress within the city – part of a 25-mile network extending into the suburbs -would be inadequate by 1985.

Categories Lost History Tags 1960s, Transit, Unbuilt Washington 2 Comments

Abandoned Capitol Traction Company Powerhouse in 1967

November 9, 2022January 19, 2022 by ghostsofdc

These haunting 1967 photos show the inside and outside of the old Capitol Traction Company Powerhouse, previously located on the Georgetown waterfront.

Categories Lost History Tags 1960s, Georgetown, Streetcars
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