Posted In 1840s

Chain Bridge at the end of the Civil War (Library of Congress)

Where Washington's Historic Chain Bridge Gets Its Name

Learn the history of Chain Bridge Road in Washington, DC, and why it's named after a bridge that has no chains. Discover the story of the bridge's role in the Civil War and the floods of 1936 that led to its replacement.

The Credentials of Sam Houston: The First Senator from Texas

Learn about the credentials of Sam Houston, the first Senator from Texas, and the only man to have held the position of President of the Republic of Texas. Read about his official letter of credentials sent to Washington by the first Governor of Texas, Joseph P. Henderson.

Drawing shows stables in the foreground and view of the city of Washington from southeast with the United States Capitol on the right, the White House in center background, and the Smithsonian castle and Washington Monument on the left.

A Rare Look at Washington from the Late 1840s or 1850s by Augustus Köllner

A rare painting of Washington from the late 1840s or 1850s, done by Augustus Köllner, has been uncovered. The view is from an angle south of the Capitol, looking northwest. See the beautiful watercolor painting at the Library of Congress.

Exploring the Black Code of the District of Columbia in Force September 1st, 1848

Digging through Google Books, I found "The Black Code of the District of Columbia in Force September 1st, 1848" - a 122-page book of laws governing all aspects of life and behavior for African-Americans in Washington, D.C. in the 1800's. Read on to learn about the shocking provisions in this book.

The History of Silver Spring, MD: Francis Preston Blair and the Blair House

Learn the history of Silver Spring, MD, from Francis Preston Blair's mica-flecked spring to the 20-room mansion he built and the Blair House. See the 1850 U.S. Census and more!

General Post Office from the corner of 8th Street and E Street, NW, Washington, D.C., the shop of Elija Dyer, merchant tailor, on the left

The Old Post Office at 8th and E Street, NW - An 1846 Daguerreotype from John Plumbe

Take a look back in time to the Old Post Office in Washington, DC in 1846 with this beautiful daguerreotype taken by John Plumbe. Get a taste of history and learn more about the Postal Service with this incredible photo.

A Look at the Capitol Building in 1846 Through John Plumbe's Photograph

Take a look at the Capitol Building in 1846 through John Plumbe's remarkable photograph. This daguerreotype shows the east front of the Capitol Building, noticeably different than it looks today. Source: Library of Congress.

White House daguerreotype by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846 (Library of Congress)

An Amazing Old Photograph of the White House Taken by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846

Discover an amazing old photograph of the White House taken by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846. It was taken during the winter, when James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States. Look closely and you'll notice the top floor and Truman balcony are not there!

Exploring Taxes and Regulations in Washington from 1840

Learn about taxes, regulations and more from Washington in 1840 with this article. We explore regulation of slaves, guns, gambling, and more in this fascinating look into life in the city before emancipation.