Prohibition Officer Charged With Drunk Driving
A rum squad MPD prohibition officer was arrested for drunk driving in 1930. Isn’t it ironic? Don’t you think?
1930s
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.
Petworth from the Air: A Bird’s Eye View from the 1930s
An aerial photograph from the 1930s shows Petworth laid out in its grid of rowhouses, one of DC’s most intact early 20th-century neighborhoods.
A Look Back at Garfinckel’s and the Treasury Building near The Hamilton in DC
Explore the history of Garfinckel’s, an iconic department store near the Treasury Building in DC. Learn how the building is now home to The Hamilton and see a photo of the street crossing in front of Garfinckel’s.
Exploring the Aerial Views of National Airport in Arlington Before Pearl Harbor
Explore the fascinating old image of the aerial view of National Airport in Arlington, Virginia before Pearl Harbor in 1941. Read more to discover this historic sight!
14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in 1939: What Stood Before the Willard Plaza
This 1939 photograph captures the intersection of 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW — the corner where the Willard Hotel stands today — packed with streetcars, storefronts, and pedestrians. Zoom in for the details.
The History of Balloon Vendors on the Streets of Washington, D.C.
In the 1930s, street vendors like Joe the Greek sold balloons on Washington, D.C. sidewalks. A look at how much money they made and what eventually drove them off the streets.
View of National Archive Site Construction in 1932
This lovely old image shows the site of the National Archives early in the construction process. It was taken on July 1st, 1932.
Revealed: Rare Photo of National Archives Building Before Its Construction in the 1930s
Explore the fascinating history of the National Archives building through a rare photo taken before its construction in the 1930s. Discover the building’s original design and learn how it was transformed into the iconic structure that houses some of America’s most important documents today.
Exploring Southwest D.C. Through This Old Photo From the 1930s and 1940s
Take a look back in time at Southwest D.C. in the 1930s & 1940s through this old photograph. See how the area has changed since then and explore the 1927 Baist map of the area.