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1890s

The 1890s were gilded years for Washington, with grand new buildings rising across the capital and the city’s population surging. The Library of Congress opened in 1897, the streetcar network expanded rapidly, and the rowhouses and apartment buildings that define Northwest DC filled in block by block.

The 1891 Map That Shows How Washington Swept Its Streets

December 26, 2022December 9, 2013 by ghostsofdc

An 1891 city map plots Washington’s street-sweeping schedule by district, showing which blocks were cleaned first.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1890s

Caroline Harrison’s Unbuilt White House Expansion of 1892

May 16, 2026December 5, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison, First Lady from 1889 to 1892, in studio portrait. She drove the 1891 expansion plan with architect Fred D. Owen.

Caroline Harrison set her own deadline. October 13, 1892, the cornerstone centennial. Fred D. Owen drew the plans. She missed dedication day by twelve.

Categories Lost History Tags 1890s, Politics, The White House 1 Comment

Take a Trip Back in Time with This Crisp Photo of the White House in the 1890s

December 3, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Take a trip back in time and explore the White House in the 1890s with this crisp and clear photo. Click to see the larger version

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1890s, The White House 2 Comments

Reverend Alexander Crummell’s Thanksgiving Sermon

February 1, 2022November 29, 2013 by ghostsofdc
A Thanksgiving Sermon, Alexander Crummell

In 1895, Reverend Alexander Crummell delivered a powerful Thanksgiving sermon to three congregations, including the 15th St. Presbyterian Church. He identified several instances of hope for African Americans, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, including persevering through the institution of slavery. Read the entire sermon now!

Categories Guest Posts, Historical Events Tags 1890s, churches 1 Comment

Then and Now: Thomas Jefferson Street in Georgetown

November 15, 2013 by ghostsofdc
1072 Thomas Jefferson St. NW

Explore the transformation of Thomas Jefferson Street in Georgetown from 1899 to present day with this Then and Now comparison. See the same buildings in the Library of Congress photo and on Google Street View. Share it with your friends on Twitter and Facebook!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Then and Now Tags 1890s, Georgetown

Sister Beatrice, Superintendent of Providence Hospital, with Two St. Bernard Dogs in the 1890s

January 6, 2020October 15, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Sister Beatrice, Superintendant of Providence Hospital in garden with another nun and St. Bernard dogs. c.1890. General Photograph Collection, HSW

An 1890s photograph of Sister Beatrice, superintendent of Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, posed with two St. Bernard dogs.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1890s 3 Comments

Aqueduct Bridge in 1898: A Photo of History from Avid GoDC Commenter Mike

April 27, 2026October 11, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Aqueduct Bridge in 1898

Avid GoDC commenter Mike sent us a great photo of the Aqueduct Bridge in 1898. In the foreground, you can see the Connecticut Pie Company wagon, a great historical moment captured in time!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1890s, Bridges 2 Comments

The Washingtonians Who Wanted to Keep the Dangerous Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station at 6th and B Streets NW

April 27, 2026September 3, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Pennsylvania (Baltimore & Potomac) Station in Washington

In 1890, a large number of Washingtonians wanted to keep the dangerous Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station at 6th and B Streets NW, where Garfield was shot. Read on to learn more of the story!

Categories Featured, Lost History Tags 1890s, Architecture, Transit, Union Station 1 Comment

A Stunning Old Photograph of Healy Hall Overlooking the Potomac River and the Washington Monument in 1890

March 9, 2022August 23, 2013 by ghostsofdc
View from the south tower of Healy Hall at Georgetown University, looking towards Washington, D.C., with the Washington monument in the distance

Take a look at this stunning old photograph of Healy Hall at Georgetown University overlooking the Potomac River and the Washington Monument in 1890

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1890s, Washington Monument 2 Comments
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