Washington Monument Under Construction in 1883
Washington Monument under construction with U.S. Fish Commission hatching ponds in the foreground and Bureau of Engraving and Printing building in the background.
1892 Map of Smallpox, Cholera, and Measles Deaths
What is a zympotic disease? This is a map of deaths due to this disease in 1892. Find out what that means.
1888 Map of Lung Disease Death
What a sad map of the District. This shows the deaths in Washington from lung disease in 1888.
1890s Map of Diarrhea Deaths in Washington
This is one of the more bizarre maps that we’ve uncovered. It certainly demonstrates how different the times were with such a high incidence of death due to diarrhea in the 19th century. Sanitation wasn’t exactly...
Adams Morgan Map From 1888
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...
“Quite Pretty” Wife Catches “Fairly Good-Looking” Husband With Woman
A scene was enacted just outside the National Theatre last night at the close of the performance which may end in a divorce suit.
1889 Cleveland Park Real Estate Ad
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".
Stunning 1880s Photo of the White House
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
Photo of Man and Boy Outside Treasury in 1885
Check out this great old photo from 1885. Source: Library of Congress
Check Out the Nationals of the 1880s
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
Map of North Columbia Heights in 1885
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...
1885 Map of Washington Sewers and Water Mains
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
Know These Georgetown Neighborhoods? Frogland, Philadelphia, and Mill Seat
Do you know any of these old Georgetown neighborhoods? Here is an old map of Georgetown from 1885. Source: Library of Congress
Rare 1880 Plan of LeDroit Park
Check out this great old plan for LeDroit Park from back in 1880. Also, make sure you read up on why it’s named LeDroit Park. Source: Library of Congress
1886 Scorecards for the Washington Nationals
What an amazing old baseball find here. This is a scorecard marked up for a game on August 18th, 1886. Also, check out the great advertisements around the scorecard. The Nats, by the way, finished 28-92...
Drunken Sailor Creates Smallpox Scare in Georgetown
This isn’t the measles scare of today’s California. This was an article that we dug up in The Washington Post from May 3rd, 1881. For some historical context, a week before Billy the Kid escaped from jail...
Why Is It Named Cleveland Park?
What is today Cleveland Park was an area for well-off Washingtonians to build their summer cottages. It was far enough away from swampy hot downtown and elevated to provide some breezy relief.
Awesome 1887 Map of Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights
This is an incredible old map from 1887 showing today’s Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights. You have to click on this for greater details. You’ll be a little confused by the old street names, so check...
