The Old Glass House of Washington
In 1807, two brothers named Andrew and George Way opened a glass factory on the Potomac, where the Lincoln Memorial stands today.
1800s
The federal government arrived in Washington in 1800, and the city spent the decade trying to catch up. The Capitol and White House were still under construction, the streets were unpaved, and diplomats complained constantly about the state of the place. These posts explore early Washington, still very much a work in progress.
Meridian Hill Park: A Complete History of DC’s Italian Renaissance Park
Meridian Hill Park is DC’s Italian Renaissance secret: Mary Foote Henderson’s vision, the 1922 Joan of Arc statue, and a drum circle going since 1965.
Exploring the Washington Directory from 1822: James Monroe and Other Regular People Living in the City
Take a look at the Washington Directory from 1822 and explore the regular people living in the city, including our fifth president, James Monroe. See the page that’s really interesting!
Why Is It Named Maryland?
Maryland was named for Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, in 1632. The history of how it was settled is stranger than most people know.
The History of Mt. Pleasant: From Pleasant Plains to The Raven
James Holmead received a land grant here in 1727. The area was known as Pleasant Plains, then The Raven, before becoming Mt. Pleasant.
Why Is It Named Woodley Park?
The Woodley estate in England was torn down in 1962. Its DC counterpart still stands on Connecticut Avenue and became part of Maret School in 1950.
A Glimpse at History: A Wonderful Old Photo of the Navy Yard
Take a look back in time with this wonderful old photo of the Navy Yard. View the photo and learn more about its history at our site.
A Rare 1795 Map of the Territory of Columbia and the City of Washington
Explore a rare map from 1795 showing the Territory of Columbia and the City of Washington surrounded by Maryland. Click to view a larger version and learn more about this piece of history.
An Insightful Look at Washington, DC in 1800: A Letter from Oliver Wolcott, Jr.
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.