This cool old map shows a proposed extension of the U.S. Capitol grounds from 1874. Clearly, not realized because we see a proposal for the Department of Justice to the northeast of the Capitol. The drawing was done by architect...
This cool old map shows a proposed extension of the U.S. Capitol grounds from 1874. Clearly, not realized because we see a proposal for the Department of Justice to the northeast of the Capitol. The drawing was done by architect...
These are old maps of Washington in 1874. They're amazingly detailed and are a "manual for business men."
These 1870s photos are incredible, showing the District just following the Civil War. Click on them for more details.
This great old photo shows the Arts and Industries Building on the Mall under construction in 1879. And below we found an interesting 1878 rendering of what the building should look like. And finally, here’s a photo of the building...
This is a great old map of Georgetown. Click on it for greater details. Source: Library of Congress
This amazing find was dug up courtesy of the National Park Service. You’re look at a grainy image of Frederick Douglass standing in front of his home on Capitol Hill at 320 A St. NE. The home still stands today...
Many of you know that the Washington Monument sat unfinished for decades, an eye-sore of a stump on what would become the National Mall. Here is what it looked like in 1877, as seen from the Smithsonian Castle, so you’re...
Fascinating drawing of the U.S. Capitol from the 1870s showing proposed modifications to the building. This is the west elevation of the building, the opposite side of the National Mall. Source: Library of Congress
Well, you might not know this, but there really was a Mr. LeDroit … sort of. LeDroit Park was established as one of the first suburbs of Washington, D.C. That’s kind of hard to believe right, since today’s suburbs are...
Here’s a cool bird’s-eye view of the Capitol and the rest of Washington from 1872. Source: Library of Congress
