1848 View From the President’s House
View from the White House in 1848, looking at the Capitol Building.
1840s
The 1840s brought the beginning of some of Washington’s most iconic institutions. The Smithsonian opened its first building on the Mall, work began on the Washington Monument, and the city grew steadily as the nation expanded westward and the slavery debate intensified. These posts explore mid-19th century Washington in all its ambition and conflict.
Why Is It Called Chain Bridge? The 1810 Suspension Bridge That Actually Had Chains
The 1810 Chain Bridge at Little Falls hung from 22 tons of iron chain. None of its successors since 1840 have actually had chains.
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.
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.
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.
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
The White House in 1846, Photographed by John Plumbe, Jr.
John Plumbe, Jr. photographed the White House in 1846 during the administration of President James K. Polk, making this one of the earliest known photographs of the building. The image was taken in winter.