These are the best posts from Ghosts of DC, the lost and untold history of Washington, D.C.
1890s Map of Diarrhea Deaths in Washington
This is one of the more bizarre maps that we’ve uncovered. It certainly demonstrates how different the times were with such a high incidence of death due to diarrhea in the 19th century. Sanitation wasn’t exactly...
Unbuilt Ulysses Grant Bridge Today
This most incredible image shows what the Ulysses Grant Memorial Bridge would have liked like today. It would have been where the current Arlington Memorial Bridge is today.
1967 Map of Unbuilt D.C. Highways
Why doesn't 395 cut through Washington, DC? This is the history of highways in DC.
1917 Film Footage of 180-Mile Journey Down Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Check out this fascinating film footage of a trip down the C&O Canal.
Photos of Columbia Heights After ’68 Riots
Here is a series of amazing photos that we came across on Flickr showing the 1968 riots in D.C. We’ve posted some stuff on the riots in the past, like this film clip, and these photos....
Never Built Three Sisters Bridge Across the Potomac
This is a story that is most likely unknown to the great majority of GoDCers. Long-time DC residents may remember the controversy over the bridge that was to be built, connecting Virginia and the District, right...
Mid-1980s Photo of Arlington
Do you recognize this part of Arlington? You’re looking down down N Courthouse Rd. From the cars in the photo, I’m guessing that this is sometime in the early 1990s. Source: Library of Congress Here is...
1906 Map of All D.C. Boundary Stones
Working under commissioners that President Washington had appointed in 1790 in accordance with the Residence Act, Major Andrew Ellicott led a team that placed these markers in 1791 and 1792.
Why Is It Named Tysons Corner?
The area formerly known as Peach Grove eventually came to be known as Tysons Crossroads and then Tysons Corner after William Tyson.
Incredible 1865 Photo of the Capitol
This photograph was taken in April 1865, which would have been right around the time of President Lincoln’s assassination. You can see the unpaved roads of Maine Ave, SW. There are buildings in the foreground with...
Amazing Photo of Washington Monument Apex
Washington, D.C., circa 1934. "Washington Monument. Capstone without lightning rods." 8x10 nitrate negative by Theodor Horydczak.
Which President Got a Speeding Ticket on a Horse?
Ulysses Grant was arrested for directing by William West, an African-American metropolitan policeman. This is a great historical story.
Why Is It Named Glebe Road in Arlington?
Learn about Glebe Road. It dates back to the 1700s and initially was known as the "Road to the Falls" taking travelers from Alexandria to Great Falls.
History Behind Lion Statues in House of Cards Opening Credits
Everyone is House of Cards crazy, and so are we. That’s why we wrote this post on Super Liquors, shown in the opening credits. We’re just waiting on the call for our appearance in season three....
1895 Bird’s Eye View of Brookland
How cool is this? If you live in Brookland, you’re going to love it. Click on it for a larger version and then share it with your friends on Facebook. Source: Library of Congress The map...
Washington, D.C. Drinking Age History
When did DC raise the drinking age to 21?
Opening Dedication Ceremony of Dulles Airport in 1962
The airport was dedicated by President Kennedy and former President Eisenhower, a $110 million federal project, largely driven during the latter's administration.
Drunk Guy Falls Off Key Bridge Railing
This is something that would bring everything to halt on Key Bridge, and probably all of Rosslyn and Georgetown. Twitter would be blowing up and there would be tons of Instagram photos. Below is an amusing...