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1880s

Rosslyn City in 1889: The Vision of Becoming Washington’s Brooklyn

November 6, 2023 by ghostsofdc
Rosslyn City, the Brooklyn of Washington - 1889

Explore the 1889 ambition of Rosslyn City, touted as the “Brooklyn of Washington,” and its emblematic journey of urban aspirations and challenges.

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1880s, Arlington VA, Rosslyn VA

Incredible 1880 Statistical Maps of Washington

October 22, 2023January 30, 2023 by ghostsofdc

This series of maps shows property values, pavement times, public schools, railroads, street sweeping schedules and more. Don’t miss these incredible maps showing 1880s life in Washington.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1880s

Where is the Original Dupont Circle Statue?

October 22, 2023January 20, 2023 by ghostsofdc

The original statue of Samuel DuPont sat for more than a generation at the center of Dupont Circle. Then it was removed because people thought it was ugly. Read the story to learn more.

Categories Guest Posts, Lost History, Notable People & Places Tags 1880s, 1920s, Dupont Circle 2 Comments

1880 Map of Telegraph Lines in Washington

October 22, 2023January 19, 2023 by ghostsofdc

The first overland long-distance telegraph line in the United States was between Baltimore and Washington in 1843. This map shows all telegraph lines in Washington in 1880.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1880s

Bartholdi Fountain Almost Moved to Dupont Circle in 1881

January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 by ghostsofdc

The Bartholdi Fountain on Capitol Hill was almost moved to Dupont Circle at the request of James Blaine. Until history intervened.

Categories Lost History, Notable People & Places Tags 1880s, Bartholdi Fountain, Dupont Circle, James G. Blaine

President Garfield’s Assassin: Charles Guiteau’s Time in Washington

March 27, 2026April 12, 2022 by ghostsofdc
1881 political cartoon showing Guiteau holding a gun and a note that says "An office or your life!" The caption for the cartoon reads "Model Office Seeker." (Wikipedia)

Learn about Charles Guiteau’s time in Washington before he assassinated President James Garfield. He believed he had played a major role in Garfield’s election victory, for which he should have been rewarded with a consulship.

Categories Historical Events, Notable People & Places Tags 1880s, James A. Garfield 2 Comments

Why Is It Named Trinidad?

December 17, 2022March 14, 2022 by ghostsofdc
1921 map of Trinidad

Do you know why we have a neighborhood named after a Caribbean island? Find out how it’s related to today’s George Washington University too.

Categories The Best Of, Why Is It Named...? Tags 1880s, Trinidad 2 Comments

Exploring the Fascinating History of the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, DC

December 18, 2022June 25, 2020 by ghostsofdc

Check out this fascinating old stereographic photo of the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, DC. Learn more about its history from John DeFerrari’s blog and Ghosts of DC. Explore now!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Notable People & Places Tags 1880s

1885 Dedication of Washington Monument

November 9, 2022June 24, 2020 by ghostsofdc

Terrific old photo of the Washington Monument being dedicated in 1885. Check out the amazing details.

Categories Historical Events Tags 1880s, Washington Monument

Washington Monument Under Construction in 1883

November 9, 2022April 10, 2019 by ghostsofdc

Washington Monument under construction with U.S. Fish Commission hatching ponds in the foreground and Bureau of Engraving and Printing building in the background.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1880s, Washington Monument
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