The town currently known as Gaithersburg was settled in 1765 under the name Log Town. Like much of the area, it was primarily agricultural. Benjamin Gaither inherited much of the land from his father-in-law, Henry Brookes, and built a house on it in 1802.
There was a time when Washington, even the city itself, was very rural. Imagine livestock roaming the streets, unpaved roads, and small farms in the District.
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.
GoDCers love maps and Matt on Etsy has some amazing vintage DC maps for sale! Check out his 1851, 1819, and 1846 maps of DC to hang on your wall, or get one of these as the perfect Christmas present!
No, it’s not named after the department store. Bloomingdale traces its name to a 10-acre estate purchased for just $600 in 1823 by War of 1812 hero George Beale.
Discover the intriguing story of Philemon T. Herbert, a notorious figure in 1850s California politics. From his tumultuous time in Congress to a shocking incident at a Washington hotel, explore the scandalous life and dramatic downfall of Philemon Herbert.
Take a look at an isometrical view of the White House and the surrounding area in the 1850s. This unique view was found in the Library of Congress archives and was done in 1984.
Check out this amazing 1851 map of Washington, D.C.! I found this gem on the Library of Congress’ website. Sign up for our updates and follow us on Facebook for more discoveries from Ghosts of DC.
In 1854, John Carroll Brent called upon Americans to donate funds to complete the Washington Monument with the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Learn more about this failed attempt and the history of the monument.
Take a look at this rare photograph of the U.S. Capitol under construction in 1858. View the amazing details and stores lining Pennsylvania Ave before the Civil War. Click for the higher resolution image!
