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Notable People & Places

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
Congressman Wilbur Mills and exotic dancer Fanne Foxe speak with reporters outside Foxe’s dressing room in 1974. (Bettmann Archive via Getty Images)

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 during the Civil War

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...
National Archives building in 1933

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
31 March 1963 President John F. Kennedy and family watch Caroline Kennedy riding a horse named "Tex" at Camp David. "Tex" is wearing a blue and gold Moroccan saddle, a gift to President Kennedy from King Hassan II. Photograph includes: (L-R) Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Jr., First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and President Kennedy. Camp David, Maryland. Please credit "Robert Knudsen, White House/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston"

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
1876. Photographer: W.W. Core, Washington, D.C. Frederick Douglass is standing on the front lawn of his home on A Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. Other family members are standing out on the front porch on both side of the houses.

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...
https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/view.htm?id=0A872177-1DD8-B71C-07B983197ECB7653

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.
1877 view of the Washington Monument under construction as seen from the Tower of the Smithsonian (now the Smithsonian Castle)

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...
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