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.
In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison pushed to renovate the Executive Mansion to match the elegant standards of European castles. See the plans and model of what the White House might have looked like if it had been completed by the 100th anniversary of the cornerstone laying.
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
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!
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!
Have you seen this amazing photo of Washington DC from 1894? Take a look and share it with your friends on Facebook
Take a look at these photos of women exercising at Western High School in 1899, part of Frances Benjamin Johnston’s collection at the Library of Congress. The building now houses the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. See more photos and learn about the school’s famous alumni here.
Take a look at this incredible photo of Sister Beatrice, the superintendent of Providence Hospital, and two St. Bernard dogs from somewhere in the 1890s. Learn more about Providence Hospital here.
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!
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!
