Rare Image of the White House Stables
Extremely rare old photo of the White House stables from the 1850s. Click on it for incredible details.
1850s
The 1850s found Washington in the grip of the slavery debate that would soon tear the nation apart. Construction on the Washington Monument stalled when the Know-Nothing party seized the project, and the decade ended with the country barreling toward secession. These posts capture a city on the edge of crisis.
What a Lovely Old Photo of the Smithsonian Castle in 1856
Take a look back in time at this beautiful 1856 photo of the Smithsonian Castle. Click to see incredible details from Ghosts of DC.
A Fascinating Bird’s-Eye View of Georgetown, D.C. in 1855
Look back in time to 1855 and get a fascinating bird’s-eye view of Georgetown, D.C. in this beautiful painting
This is the Oldest Known Photo of the U.S. Department of State
See the oldest known photo of the U.S. Department of State, taken in 1857. Learn more about the old State Department building before it was located in Foggy Bottom and even before it was located in the State, War, and Navy Building next to the White House.
Tysons Corner Name History: Who Was William Tyson?
Tysons Corner or Tysons used to be called Peach Grove. William Tyson owned a farm west of DC which would become the site of a major shopping mall.
A Look Back at the Navy Yard in 1858: Exploring the Historic Plan
A glimpse into history with a look at the 1858 plan for the Navy Yard. Discover the fascinating details of this historic document, with images and more!
The White House Conservatory in 1857: What It Was Like During James Buchanan and Franklin Pierce’s Presidencies
Take a look at the White House conservatory in 1857, and get a glimpse into what life was like during the presidencies of James Buchanan and Franklin Pierce. The conservatory was eventually demolished to be replaced by the West Wing.
Exploring Washington in the 1850s: Mapping Buildings, Roads, and Rural Property
Take a journey back in time to 1850s Washington with this detailed map which marks all the buildings, roads, and rural property owners. Discover fascinating large plots of land outside Boundary Street with this map from the Library of Congress.
Rare Photograph of James Buchanan’s Inauguration at the East Front of the Capitol Building
Check out this rare photo of James Buchanan’s Inauguration at the East Front of the Capitol Building on March 4th, 1857. It’s a little blurry and not the highest resolution, but amazing nevertheless. Click on the top image and find out what you see.