This series of images is fascinating, showing some proposed architectural drawings of the future Library of Congress. After the Civil War, there were proposals to build a national library near Judiciary Square. The one below is a drawing of the
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
Proposed renovations of the Capitol Building from the 1870s. Achitectural drawing for alterations to the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. West elevation.
LeDroit Park was established as one of the first suburbs of Washington, D.C. It was named for a family member of the founders Amzi Barber.
Here’s a cool bird’s-eye view of the Capitol and the rest of Washington from 1872. Source: Library of Congress
