The Great Depression hit Washington differently than most American cities. FDR’s New Deal brought a massive expansion of the federal government, filling the capital with new agencies, new buildings, and hundreds of thousands of new workers. The decade that devastated much of America actually transformed Washington into a modern metropolis.
The dramatic 1938 Cherry Tree Rebellion saw D.C. women chaining themselves to cherry trees to stop removal for the Jefferson Memorial. Learn the story behind the controversial protest over commemorating Jefferson’s legacy.
Washington, D.C. was the last major U.S. city charging cab fares by zone, not meter. By the 1950s there were over 20 zones. Drivers fought meters until 2008.
Delve into 1930s Washington D.C. apartment listings and discover how the Great Depression and the presidential campaign influenced living conditions. Explore affordable rents, modern amenities, and the challenges faced by residents in this historic era.
This blog post examines a photograph of Washington, D.C. taken from a building near the Lotus Club in 1939. The image depicts a street scene showing streetcars crossing at 14th Street and New York Avenue, providing a unique aerial perspective of the city during that era. The post reflects on the historical significance of the photograph, serving as a time capsule of the past and a reminder of the rich history of our nation’s capital.
What was it like riding the streetcars of Washington on the 1940s? Take a look at this series of great old photos.
Meridian Hill Park is DC’s Italian Renaissance secret: Mary Foote Henderson’s vision, the 1922 Joan of Arc statue, and a drum circle going since 1965.
What is the history of brunch in Washington? The word dates back to 1895 and started appearing the the local papers in the early 20th century. Are you hungry?
Carl Mydans photographed Georgetown in September 1935, capturing children playing in the streets and a neighborhood that looked very different from today.
Great old photos showing traffic in Washington back in 1936. Check out Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street jammed up with streetcars, automobiles and pedestrians.
