Washington in the 1920s was a city in full swing. The decade brought jazz clubs, speakeasies, and a building boom that filled in the last great gaps in the city’s streetscape. Calvin Coolidge’s Washington was prosperous and busy, even as Prohibition tried to shut down the good times. These posts explore the capital’s roaring decade.
Take a look at this 1921 map of Bellevue Highlands, showing what would become Bellevue. Read up on the last farm in the city and click on the map to zoom in and see more details
Take a look back at the Washington Senators team during spring training of 1920. They came in sixth place that year, but a few years later they would become world champs!
Grace Coolidge, wife of President Calvin Coolidge, was an avid baseball fan and attended the 1924 World Series in Washington. Read about her experience and watch film footage of the game!
At 16th and K St. NW, there once sat a three story Victorian town home, the site of corrupt political dealings within the Harding administration, This is its story.
Charles Lindbergh was celebrated with a huge parade in Washington, D.C. upon returning from his historic 1927 transatlantic flight.
A waterspout rose from the Potomac below Alexandria, came ashore, and tore a 15-mile path across Washington in under half an hour.
Discover the fascinating history of Childs Restaurant in Washington, DC – the chain that originated in New York City and spread southward. Learn about the unique building of the Massachusetts Ave. location and more.
Just after 9pm on January 28, 1922, the Knickerbocker’s roof caved in mid-comedy. Ninety-eight died. It is still DC’s deadliest disaster.
The first Girl Scout Little House was built behind the White House around 1923 and later moved to 1750 New York Avenue NW.
