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.
![Maps accompanying the report of the operations of the Engineer Department of the District of Columbia : for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1891 : [Washington D.C.] / compiled by Capt. W.T. Rossell, U.S. Eng'rs ; compiled by Capt. J.L. Lusk, U.S. Eng'rs.](https://ghostsofdc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2013/08/cs000001.jpg)
Discover the property value map from 11 years later that was compiled by Capt. W.T. Rossell and Capt. J.L. Lusk of the Engineer Department of the District of Columbia. Check it out now!
Check out this rare map of the D.C. area from 1894 and see the Ulysses Grant Memorial Bridge, which was never built. Plus, see the source from the National Archives.
An amazing map of Washington City from 1892 reveals the streets of the nation’s capital in great detail. Learn what it was like to navigate the city before the World’s Fair and street renaming.
Take a look back in time to what Washington could have been like if the 1892 World’s Fair had been held here. See the proposed layout, and check out the bridge where Memorial Bridge stands today.
Take a look back in time to 1897 and explore the proposed highway changes to Washington, DC. Read the full article from The Evening Star to learn more about the fascinating history of the city.
Take a step back in time and view the White House front lawn in 1897 with this rare image from the Library of Congress. Get a glimpse of what it looked like over 100 years ago!
Read the amusing tale of a creative, but poorly armed, burglar in Kalorama back in the 19th century. From the Washington Post in June of 1898, this story is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Learn the incredible story of Officer Sprinkle and how it led to the inspiration for our logo. Read the original biography from the 1908 Metropolitan Police Department’s official history book, plus the original photo that inspired it!
Step back in time to the 19th century Washington dance scene! Read this article to find out how people danced, find out who was there, and the all-important question: did they do the Harlem Shake? Learn the answer and more here!
