The 1870s were Washington’s great reconstruction decade, driven almost entirely by the ambitions of Alexander “Boss” Shepherd, the city’s territorial governor. Shepherd paved the streets, installed gas lights, and planted trees across the city, essentially inventing the modern Washington streetscape. These posts explore the decade that rebuilt the capital.
Get an insider’s look from 19th century banking tycoon William Corcoran about what Georgetown’s prospects would have been had the city of Washington not been placed right next to it. Read on to find out more.
Explore two drawings of the proposed National Library at Judiciary Square between 1875 and 1879. See what could have been if this plan had been accepted!
Reader and history buff Mike sent over rare photographs of the U.S. Navy Medical Museum dating to 1879.
A photograph of the Winder Building from the 1870s. The structure still stands today and is used by the U.S. Trade Representative.
Discover the story of Stewart’s Castle, a lost gem of Washington DC’s architectural history. Learn about its design, famous residents, and ultimate demolition in 1901 in this post.
Not many remember Rutherford B. Hayes, but we’d like to shine a light on the 19th President with a series of photos from his 1877 Inauguration. See the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol, inauguration stand, and more!
Dive into the past and explore Alexandria County (now Arlington County) in 1879 with this awesome map from the Library of Congress map collection. GoDCer Tim will love it!
Rural maps of the District of Columbia in 1879 including Rock Creek, Tenallytown, Uniontown and Potomac City.
The 1810 Chain Bridge at Little Falls hung from 22 tons of iron chain. None of its successors since 1840 have actually had chains.
