Stories about famous people and places in Washington, D.C.
1939 National Airport Photo Survey
National Airport in Arlington was opened in the summer of 1941, several months before Pearl Harbor. Below is a fascinating old image showing the aerial view of what would eventually become National Airport.
Washington Monument Under Construction in 1883
Washington Monument under construction with U.S. Fish Commission hatching ponds in the foreground and Bureau of Engraving and Printing building in the background.
The Brand New West Wing
This lovely old photograph shows the West Wing of the White House shortly after it was completed. Source: Library of Congress
Arkansas Congressman and the Argentine Stripper
I watched The Front Runner this weekend, the story about Gary Hart’s implosion of a presidential campaign in 1988. What a fascinating movie and slightly prescient of the tabloid times we live in today. It got me wondering about other...
The White House Before Fences and Security
Can you even believe this photo. This dude is just sitting on what appears to be a low stone wall on the south side of the White House. This would be E St. today and if you even came close...
Skeleton of National Archives Building in 1933
This is what the National Archives building looked like before it took shape in the 1930s. What a fascinating old photo. Source: National Archives
The Kennedys at Camp David
This photo was taken on March 31st, 1963. It shows the whole Kennedy clan happily spending some time together at Camp David. Caroline is on top of the horse, while little John holds his mother’s hand. Source: National Archives
Rare Photo of Frederick Douglass in Front of His Home
This amazing find was dug up courtesy of the National Park Service. You’re look at a grainy image of Frederick Douglass standing in front of his home on Capitol Hill at 320 A St. NE. The home still stands today...
Unfinished Jefferson Memorial in 1940
This great photo shows the Jefferson Memorial back in 1940, before World War II. Source: National Park Service Here’s another cool one we dug up.
Best Photo of Unfinished Washington Monument in 1877
Many of you know that the Washington Monument sat unfinished for decades, an eye-sore of a stump on what would become the National Mall. Here is what it looked like in 1877, as seen from the Smithsonian Castle, so you’re...