Posted In 1860s

Smithsonian Castle between 1860 and 1865

A Rare Look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s - Thanks to Shorpy

Take a rare look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s, thanks to the amazing photograph from Shorpy. This appears to be a photo we haven't yet seen!

Washington, D.C., early 1860s. "Treasury Department in Lincoln's time (Cash Room behind the desks)."

Exploring the Spectral Presence in a Photograph of the Treasury Department in Lincoln's Time

Take a closer look at this photograph of the Treasury Department in Lincoln's time and see if you can spot any spectral presence. Explore the eerie picture to find out what secrets it holds!

Abraham Lincoln and the Birth of the Union Army Balloon Corps

Explore the fascinating story of how Abraham Lincoln was a technophile and gave birth to the Union Army Balloon Corps in 1861, when Thaddeus Lowe sent him a telegram from a gas balloon over the National Mall.

advertisement for soldiers in the Daily National Republican on February 7th, 1863

150 Years Ago Today: An Advertisement for Soldiers Published in the Daily National Republican

150 years ago today, an advertisement for soldiers was published in the Daily National Republican. See the ad, plus an interesting warning notice about fraudulent tickets being sold!

Uncovering a Rare Bird's Eye View of Washington, DC in 1861

Explore a rare bird's eye view of Washington, DC from 1861, uncovered by one of the first GoDCers, John. Check out the original online at the Boston Public Library site!

The Amazing Photograph of Carver Barracks on Meridian Hill During the Civil War

Take a look at an amazing photograph of Carver Barracks on Meridian Hill during the Civil War. In the background, you can see Columbian College (i.e., George Washington University). Learn more about this historic site from Cultural Tourism D.C.!

Civil War map of Confederate fortifications outside Washington

Uncovering the Past: An Incredible Civil War Map from the Boston Public Library Archives

Happy Saturday GoDCers! We uncovered an incredible Civil War map of the rebel fortifications just west of D.C. in the Boston Public Library archives. Check out the original here!

Allan's Nice Contribution of C&O Canal Shot Taken by Mathew Brady in 1860

Check out this nice contribution by GoDCer Allan of a shot of the C&O Canal taken by Mathew Brady in 1860. View the image and learn more about the history of the canal.

Topographical sketch of the environs of Washington, D.C. : (survey of locality for public park & site for a presidential mansion) / to accompany report of N. Michler, Major of Eng'rs, Bvt. Brig. Gen'l U.S.A.

Four New Sites for the White House

Last week we posted a detailed topographical map of Rock Creek Park from 1866. There were some great comments on it, including GoDCer Elizabeth’s observation that the map was entitled “Location for a Public Park & Site for Presidential Mansion” … intriguing. Topographical sketch of the environs of Washington, D.C. : (survey of locality for public park & site for a presidential mansion) / to accompany report of N. Michler, Major of Eng’rs, Bvt. Brig. Gen’l...

The jury that tried Millie Gaines in 1869 for the murder of a white man, and freed her on an insanity please. It was composed of six colored and six white men. This was the first murder trial in the District in which a mixed jury sat. Reading from left to right seated; 2, David Fisher; 4, the Rev. James D. Reed; 6, Leonard C. Bailey. Standing from left to right; 2, Charles Humphries; 4, John A. Gray; 6, Herbert Harris (The Baltimore Afro-American - May 4th, 1935)

Unraveling the Untold History of the 1869 Murder Trial of Millie Gaines

Unravel the untold history of the 1869 murder trial of Millie Gaines. Discover the salacious details of the interracial love affair, the complicated love triangle, the jealous rage, and the gruesome murder that lead to the first trial in DC with a racially mixed jury.

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