Washington spent most of the 1860s as a city at war. The Capitol dome was still under construction when the fighting started, and the city filled with soldiers, contraband camps, and field hospitals. Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre in April 1865. These are 139 stories from the decade that defined the District.
Discover the remarkable story of Col. Ulric Dahlgren, wounded in the Civil War and commemorated with a plaque at the Navy Yard. Learn how his leg ended up in a parking garage and the history of the building since then.
Take a look back in time with this detailed photograph of the Union encampment at Centreville during the winter of 1861-1862. Click on the photograph for more information and to view the original source.
On March 4, 1865, Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address. Somewhere in the crowd stood John Wilkes Booth, six weeks before Ford’s Theatre.
Take a look into the past with two photos of Howard University’s Old Main Building. Explore the history of the building and its importance to the university.
On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. On the same day, The Evening Star newspaper was published, featuring a “Special Notice” that is as interesting as anything that could be published today. Take a look at the newspaper, the day after the assassination.
Discover a cool print found on the Library of Congress website. Check it out and explore what it has to offer
Take a look back in history with this old map that shows Jubal Early’s Rebel attack on Washington. See the plan of the attack and learn more about this important moment in history.
Explore history through this amazing photograph from the 1860s. See the entrance to the Washington Water Works near Great Falls and discover more about this incredible image.
An 1864 photograph of Great Falls on the Potomac River, taken during the Civil War.
