-ad 189-

1920s

-ad 615-

What was Washington, D.C. like in the 1920s? Take a look at our great posts with stories, people, photos, and history about the District from the twenties.

The Evolution of Taxi Fares in Washington D.C. from Zone System to Meters
For 70+ years, DC taxis used zone fares, but proposals for meters instead sparked endless debates. This history explores DC's zone system, the battle over meters vs. zones, and how meters finally replaced zones in 2008.
Read More
1922 Ad Reveals How Electric Railways Transformed Arlington
Electric railways drove Arlington's transformation from rural to suburban between 1892-1941. This history shows how rail paved the way for the county's growth.
Read More
When Was the Hay-Adams Hotel Built?
The Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington D.C. was built in 1928 on the site of two private homes owned by John Hay and Henry Adams. The luxury hotel was designed by architect Mihran Mesrobian in an Italian Renaissance style.
Read More
The Untold Story of Francis Aebersold, Washington's Daring Teenage Rum Runner
Explore the thrilling tale of Francis Aebersold, a daring teenage bootlegger in 1920s Washington D.C., as he defies Prohibition laws and engages in a high-speed chase with Detective Charles A. Berry. Delve into a vivid account of their epic confrontation and the Roaring Twenties' underground speakeasy scene.
Read More
Clarence Chesterfield Howerton: The Remarkable Journey of 'Major Mite' from White House Visits to Hollywood Stardom
In December 1922, 9-year-old Clarence Chesterfield Howerton, known as "Major Mite," visited the White House. Read about the visit and see a photo from the Washington Post on Ghosts of DC.
Read More
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
A deep dive into a 1923 newspaper reveals America struggled with familiar issues like racism, prohibition, and budget woes amid intense social change. Comparing eras shows our past holds lessons to guide us through modern tumult.
Read More
A Look Back at Logan Circle in the 1920s
Take a look back at Logan Circle in the 1920s with this photo from the Library of Congress. Learn more about the history of Logan Circle with Ghosts of DC.
Read More
Can You Find These Homes Today? I Did Some Sleuthing and This is What I Found
Can you find the homes shown in this 1920 Alexandria real estate advertisement? I did some sleuthing and this is what I found. Take a look at the Google Street View and see what you think! Plus, a super random historical context about George Gipp.
Read More
Exploring the Lost Jewel of the Capital: A Journey Through the Historic Metropolitan Theater's Golden Era
Dive into history with the Metropolitan Theater, an architectural marvel that defined the golden era of American cinema in the nation's capital.
Read More
Fascinating 1922 Photo of 9th and G Streets in Shows a Very Different City
What did the area around today's Metro Center look like about 100 years ago? Check out this detailed photo and map of the area from 1922.
Read More
-ad 616-

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Enjoy daily

Ghosts of DC stories