Silver Spring, Maryland: History of the Name and Francis Preston Blair
Andrew Jackson’s editor found a mica-flecked spring outside Washington in 1840. His country estate gave Silver Spring its name.
Why Is It Named…?
The origin stories behind Washington, DC street names, neighborhood names, and landmark names. Who were these places named for?
Why Is It Named Bloomingdale? The $600 Estate Behind DC’s Trendiest Neighborhood
Bloomingdale is not named after the department store. George Beale, a hero of the War of 1812, bought a 10-acre estate here for just $600 in 1823.
Why Did They Rename B Street to Constitution Avenue?
Constitution Avenue was not always called Constitution Avenue. There’s a Wisconsin connection to the story that most DC residents don’t know.
The Origin of Arlington’s Name: From Earl to Lee’s Estate
Arlington County is named for a plantation. The plantation was named for a mansion. The mansion was named for an English village.
Why Is It Named Anacostia? The Native American Origins of DC’s Historic Neighborhood
Anacostia takes its name from the Nacotchtank people, the Native Algonquin tribe Captain John Smith encountered when he sailed up the Eastern Branch in 1612. Here’s how “Natcotchtank” slowly became “Anacostia.”
Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park: History and Construction
Boulder Bridge is one of Rock Creek Park’s most distinctive landmarks. Here is the history of how the rustic stone bridge was built and what makes it unique.