Lost Washington, DC Neighborhoods

Washington’s Hackmen: DC’s Cab Drivers Before Taxis

November 9, 2022August 31, 2015 by ghostsofdc

1860s photo of a hackman and his hackney (in London)

A chalk line on the curb outside the Metropolitan Hotel marked where DC’s hackmen waited for fares in their horse-drawn coaches.

1950s Film Footage of Washington, D.C.: Dupont Circle, East Capitol Street, and Union Station

November 9, 2022May 13, 2015 by ghostsofdc

This is some awesome footage of the old streetcar system here in D.C. from the 1950s. What’s really great is seeing some recognizable spots in the city, like the Dupont Underground, East Capitol St., and of course Union Station. The footage is quite long, but skip around a little and you’ll see some great stuff.

Three Sisters Bridge Across the Potomac Was Never Built

April 27, 2026April 13, 2015 by ghostsofdc

The Three Sisters Bridge was first proposed by L’Enfant in 1789 and seven more times after that. The 1967 version nearly got built.

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.

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.

Washington Monument Almost Built As Pyramid

April 27, 2026March 17, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Monument ("Washington Monument"), Washington, D.C. Rendered perspective

What if the Washington Monument was built as a pyramid instead of an obelisk? It could have been if this design came to fruition.

A Look Back at the 1971 Maps Showing I-95 Cutting Through D.C.

November 9, 2022November 28, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Notice the decked/tunneled section south of Fort Totten, then the over 90-degree turn to the east, then the decked/tunneled section between Galloway Street and Gallatin Street, with the Metrorail Glenmont Route (Red Line trains) following the North Central Freeway (I-95 south of Fort Totten and I-70S north of Fort Totten), and with the Metrorail Greenbelt Route (Green Line trains) following the Northeast Freeway (I-95 east of Fort Totten). The area between Galloway Street and Gallatin Street where the Northeast Freeway was proposed was mostly open fields then and still is now.

Take a look back at 1971 maps of what could have been I-95 cutting through D.C. Today, what is now 395, ends at New York Ave. NW. Get a glimpse into what could have been with these fascinating maps from 1971.

1968 War Over D.C. Interstate Highways

November 9, 2022November 25, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Why are there no interstate highways cutting through Washington? It’s one of the few cities without a major highway right through it. Learn the history going back to the 1960s.

The Smithsonian Castle Almost Looked Like This in 1846

May 11, 2026September 4, 2014 by ghostsofdc

In 1846, an open design competition could have given Washington a very different Smithsonian Castle. One rejected design became a church. The church became a parking lot.