Explore the history of the Old Glass House, Washington D.C.'s first glass factory established in 1807, and its impact on early American industry and community development.
Pierre L'Enfant had originally planned the City of Washington around a right triangle, with the eastern portion at the Capitol, the northern portion at the White House and the 90 degree angle close to where the Washington Monument sits today. Thomas Jefferson marked this spot in 1793 with a wooden post, which was replaced in 1804 with the Jefferson Pier.
The namesake in England no longer stands as it was torn down in 1962, but the one in Woodley Park is still there. In 1950 it became the property of the Maret School and currently serves as a library and administrative building.
Explore what the city of Washington, DC was like in the early days of 1800 through the eyes of Oliver Wolcott, Jr., the country's second Secretary of the Treasury. Includes a print from 1834 to show the city at the time.
The town currently known as Gaithersburg was settled in 1765 under the name Log Town. Like much of the area, it was primarily agricultural. Benjamin Gaither inherited much of the land from his father-in-law, Henry Brookes, and built a house on it in 1802.
Plan of part of the city of Washington : on which is shewn the squares, lots, &c., divided between William Prout Esq'r and the Commissioners of the Federal Buildings, agreeably to the deed of trust / laid down from a scale of 200 feet pr. inch by N. King, 1800.
Read about John Adams' proudest act: nominating John Marshall to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Learn more about the historic letter and its significance in this blog post from Ghosts of DC.