Rosslyn City in 1889: The Vision of Becoming Washington’s Brooklyn
Explore the 1889 ambition of Rosslyn City, touted as the “Brooklyn of Washington,” and its emblematic journey of urban aspirations and challenges.
1880s
Victorian Washington was booming in the 1880s. The decade brought the dedication of the Washington Monument (finally finished in 1884), the consolidation of Georgetown into DC, and a wave of grand Romanesque architecture that still defines many of the city’s neighborhoods. These posts explore Washington at its Victorian peak.
Incredible 1880 Statistical Maps of Washington
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.
Where is the Original Dupont Circle Statue?
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.
1880 Map of Telegraph Lines in Washington
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.
Bartholdi Fountain Almost Moved to Dupont Circle in 1881
The Bartholdi Fountain on Capitol Hill was almost moved to Dupont Circle at the request of James Blaine. Until history intervened.
President Garfield’s Assassin: Charles Guiteau’s Time in Washington
Before shooting President Garfield in 1881, Charles Guiteau spent years in Washington as a failed lawyer demanding a consulship he believed he was owed.
Why Is It Named Trinidad?
Northeast DC has a neighborhood named after a Caribbean island. The connection runs through the early history of George Washington University.
Exploring the Fascinating History of the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, DC
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!
1885 Dedication of Washington Monument
Terrific old photo of the Washington Monument being dedicated in 1885. Check out the amazing details.