What was Washington, D.C. like in the 1940s? Take a look at our great posts with stories, people, photos, and history about the District from the forties.
Machine Guns at the Lincoln Memorial
The day after Pearl Harbor this is what the Lincoln Memorial looked like. Reminds me a little of what downtown Washington looked like the day after 9/11.
Car Dealerships Prohibited From Selling During World War II
These photos show a cool old building on 14th St. in Logan Circle which still stands today. It used to be an automobile dealership and the photos below are from 1942 during World War II. In January of 1942 the...
Before Sidwell Friends: The Nourse House
This lovely photo is captioned as the Charles Joseph Nourse House in Tennallytown (read about the name’s history). This is the main administrative house today and it’s known as Zartman House. It’s a beautiful old farm house, originally constructed in...
What Did U Street Look Like in the 1940s?
Check out this photo showing the old Republic Theatre at 13th and U St. back then. The theater opened up back on May 30th, 1921, one block west of the Lincoln Theatre, which still stands. Unfortunately, it was knocked down...
What Did Southwest D.C. Used to Look Like?
This old photograph shows Southwest D.C. as it looked in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Source: New York Public Library I can’t really even orient myself to where this is today as the place has changed so much. This is...
Incredible 1944 Photo of Lincoln Memorial
is this one of the most impressive photos of the Lincoln Memorial? Source: Library of Congress
![Capital Transit demonstration run of a Twin Coach articulated bus (a model they did not end up using), April 3, 1948. This turnaround is still used by buses today [photo by Robert S. Crockett].](https://ghostsofdc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2015/12/10896004463_3f7d28bb16_o-400x400.jpg "Capital Transit demonstration run of a Twin Coach articulated bus (a model they did not end up using), April 3, 1948. This turnaround is still used by buses today [photo by Robert S. Crockett].")
Calvert Street Bus Turnaround in 1948
Check this out. It looks as it does today, minus the Toddle House in the background which is now Mama Ayesha’s. Source: Flickr user rockcreek
Pentagon Seen From the Air in the 1940s
This photo is something that probably wouldn’t be shot today. At least, not easily, without military notification and support. So, enjoy this rare photo of the Pentagon as seen from above. Source: Shorpy
What Did 14th St. Look Like During World War II?
Check out this cool photo we dug up on Shorpy. Also, check out the sweet Senate Beer advertisement below the clock. Looks like this photo was taken at 11:14 am. Source: Shorpy
The Little Green House on K Street
This is a guest post by Angela Harrison Eng At a first glance, there is nothing monumental about 1625 K Street NW. A bland building occupies the space, along with several nondescript businesses and a parking garage. However, on this...
Recommended
