The 1857 Election Day Riot, When Marines Fired on a DC Mob
In 1857 the commandant of the Marine Corps faced down a rioters’ cannon at a DC polling place, armed only with a cotton umbrella.
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.
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.
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.
Bird’s-Eye View of Georgetown, D.C. in 1855
An 1855 painting showing Georgetown, D.C. from an elevated perspective.
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.