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.
Take a trip back in time to explore the Washington Post Classified Pages from March 29th, 1879. Discover hidden gems and find out what the National Clothing Company was advertising in the city of Washington D.C.
Take a look back in time to newspaper row in Washington, D.C. as it was in 1874. See an engraving from Harper’s New Monthly Magazine for an up close look at the bustling hub of news in the nation’s capital.
We are obsessed with old maps, and here’s another one to obsess over! Take a look at this map of Rockville, Maryland in 1879. Learn more about the history of Montgomery County too!
Join us as we explore Falls Church through maps from 1879. Get a glimpse of the area in the past and learn about the history of Falls Church.
Hell’s Bottom was a rough DC neighborhood around 12th and Q NW. In November 1889, three men died in a shootout at Bob Brown’s saloon.
Explore the area around Bethesda and Montgomery County, MD with this 1878 map. Learn why it was named Montgomery County and more! Click for a larger map.
Washington’s first phone line opened in October 1877. By 1878 the city had a phone book of 187 numbers. Number 1 was the White House.
Emily Edson Briggs, one of Washington’s first female newspaper correspondents, captured the etiquette and social life of the 1870s city in ‘The Olivia Letters.’
Explore the fascinating history of 1320 14th St. NW, from auctions in 1878 to a safe robbery in 1934 to a sex shop in 1985. Plus, learn why it’s now home to The Pig restaurant!
