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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Washington, the Old Executive Office Building looked like this while it was being built.

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

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

What is a zymotic disease? This is a map of deaths due to this disease in 1892. Find out what that means.

What a sad map of the District. This shows the deaths in Washington from lung disease in 1888.

An 1890s map of Washington, DC and deaths related to diarrhea, heavily concentrated in Swampoodle and Murder Bay.

Adams Morgan didn’t exist in 1888. Back then it was called Washington Heights as many of the other uptown destinations began their lives similarly: Cleveland Heights, Friendship Heights, Massachusetts Avenue Heights. If you’re curious to know the story about how it came to be Adams Morgan, read this story from a while back. Here is […]

A scene was enacted just outside the National Theatre last night at the close of the performance which may end in a divorce suit.

At the time, Grover Cleveland lived north of the city in a lovely old estate called Oak Hill. Eventually, the neighborhood that grew up around his home was named for him: "Cleveland Park".

You have to see this amazing old photo of the White House. This is a view of the President’s Mansion from the south. Source: Library of Congress

Check out this great old photo from 1885. Source: Library of Congress

This fascinating old photograph shows the Washington Nationals playing at Swampoodle Grounds in the 1880s. Click on it for some amazing details. Source: Architect of the Capitol

This 1885 map shows what would become the northern part of Columbia Heights. At the time, it was still referred to as part of Mt. Pleasant. The arrow at left points to north. Also, some street names were renamed, so Howard became Newton and Sheridan became Monroe. Click on it for a larger version. Source: Library […]

These are probably not maps you initially would find interesting, but click on them for greater details. They’re fascinating. Source: Library of Congress Source: Library of Congress