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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.

Check Out This Property Value Map From 11 Years After the Last Popular One

October 27, 2021August 20, 2013 by ghostsofdc
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.

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!

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1890s 2 Comments

A Rare Look at D.C. in 1894, with a Surprising Unbuilt Bridge

April 28, 2026July 31, 2013 by ghostsofdc
1894 map of D.C.

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.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1890s, Bridges 2 Comments

Unraveling the Streets of DC in 1892: A Map of Washington City

December 20, 2021July 23, 2013 by ghostsofdc

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.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1890s 6 Comments

Exploring the Unbuilt Washington World’s Fair of 1892

October 18, 2021July 22, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Birdseye view of the National Capital, including the site of the proposed World's Exposition of 1892 and Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas

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.

Categories Lost History Tags 1890s, National Mall

Exploring the Proposed Highway Changes to Washington, DC in 1897

December 20, 2021July 17, 2013 by ghostsofdc
highway extension of 1897

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.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1890s, The Evening Star, Transit

A Rare Look at the White House Front Lawn in 1897

April 27, 2026June 11, 2013 by ghostsofdc
view from White House over front lawn in 1897

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!

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

The Creative Burglar of Kalorama: An Amusing Tale from the Washington Post, 1898

April 28, 2026April 29, 2013 by ghostsofdc
mix of pepper seeds on wooden surface

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.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1890s, Crime

Discovering the Story of Officer Sprinkle and the Inspiration for our Logo

April 27, 2026April 22, 2013 by ghostsofdc

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!

Categories A Personal Story Tags 1890s, Metropolitan Police Department, Notable People, Officer Sprinkle 4 Comments

Did They Do The Harlem Shake? Tales from a 19th Century Washington Dance

September 1, 2019April 18, 2013 by ghostsofdc
The Sidewalk Dance - Handpainted Oil Painting by John George Brown (1894)

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!

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1890s, Brookland
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