The Sanborn Fire Map of Washington Circle in 1888
Take a look at the astonishing Sanborn Fire Map of Washington Circle in 1888. See the residential structures, many of them frame structures, that were there at the time.
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.
1883 Bird’s-Eye View of Washington, DC from the Library of Congress
An 1883 bird’s-eye view of Washington, DC from the Library of Congress. Click through for the full-resolution version to explore the detail.
OMFG! A Murder by Umbrella in 19th-Century Washington, DC
OMFG! Read this crazy tale of a murder in 19th-century Washington, DC, where a man was killed with an umbrella. See an 1887 newspaper article and a map of the area today.
Exploring Thomas Circle in 1888: A Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
Take a virtual tour of Thomas Circle in 1888 with this Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. See the yellow wooden frame structures and the pink brick buildings of the area.
Unveiling a Tacky Proposal to Finish the Washington Monument (Dated 1889)
Check out this tacky proposal to finish the Washington Monument. The date on the drawing is 1889, however the monument was completed and dedicated in 1885. See the proposed design and learn more about the history of the monument.
A Spectacular View of F Street in Washington D.C. in the 1880s
Step back in time and take a look at F Street in Washington D.C. in the 1880s with this incredible photo, dug up from the Library of Congress archives.
A Look Back at Wisconsin and O St. NW in Georgetown (1893)
Take a look back at Georgetown in 1893 with this amazing photo of Wisconsin and O St. NW. Check out the Google Street View today to see how much it’s changed.
What Is The History of Hell’s Bottom?
Hell’s Bottom was a rough DC neighborhood around 12th and Q NW. In November 1889, three men died in a shootout at Bob Brown’s saloon.
Three Stories About Boundary Castle
From 1888 to 1949, Senator John Henderson’s 30-room stone castle stood on 16th Street NW above Florida Avenue.