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.
In this blog post, explore the transportation used by U.S. presidents before the iconic Air Force One. Take a look at the presidential trains, ships, and more used throughout history!
An 1887 map of Washington, DC showing the city and surrounding areas within a 20-mile radius of the Capitol. Click through for the full-resolution version.
This 1883 bird’s-eye view of Washington, D.C. comes from the Library of Congress. The Washington Monument was just two years from completion. The city’s street grid is laid out, but the Mall and its monuments looked nothing like they do today.
In 1888, a gruesome murder occurred in Georgetown, DC. The murder of Agnes Watson shocked the nation, and the story eventually reached the White House itself. Learn how this Georgetown story made its way to the highest office in the land.
Explore an old map of Washington in 1880 and discover the exact locations of the fire stations and police stations. Learn about the history of the city through this fascinating map.
We found this cool wood engraving from 1882, meant to depict the National Mall looking from the South. In the image, you can see buildings like the Smithsonian Institution in the lower middle.
Take a look at this amazing old photo of the White House in the late 19th century! Can anyone accurately date it? Also, does it look like an iPhone on its side?
Take a look at this rare photograph of Riggs Bank and the Department of Justice in Washington, DC taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston. See the full image at the Library of Congress website.
