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.
Take a look at the tragic history of Falkland, Montgomery Blair’s home, which was burned by Confederate troops or camp followers on July 12th, 1864. Read more on our post about how Silver Spring got its name.
This large campaign banner for Republican presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln dates to the 1860 election. It features a 33-star American flag pattern and the names of Lincoln and his running mate Hannibal Hamlin.
Explore the 1865 Civil War Map of Washington, D.C. from the Library of Congress and discover road and fort locations at the end of the war.
Take a journey back in time to explore the history of the Aqueduct Bridge in Washington, D.C. Learn about its dismantling in the 1920s, and see a photo of what it looked like in the 1860s.
Learn the surprising history of the Washington Monument before it was completed. From an eyesore to a beef depot, discover the unique story of this iconic landmark.
Take a look at this 1860s view of Washington DC, featuring the Old Patent Office in the background. The photograph provides a unique glimpse into the city’s history and architecture.
A Civil War-era photograph taken from rocks on Mason’s Island showing a Georgetown ferry-boat carrying wagons across the Potomac, with the Aqueduct Bridge visible beyond.
Take a journey back in time to explore the history of East Capitol Street, before it was even a street. See a fascinating old photograph, mislabeled as Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park, taken by William M. Chase.
For 16 years the White House drank from Franklin Square, via a pipeline of hollowed logs running down 13th Street to the mansion.
