World War II reshaped Washington completely. The Pentagon rose across the river in just 16 months, the federal workforce exploded, and the city became the command center for the Allied war effort. Housing was impossibly scarce, rationing was everywhere, and Washington hummed with wartime urgency from 1941 to 1945.
Take a look at a cool old photo of the magazine rack at National Airport when it opened in 1941. Plus, explore some more old photos and read three great stories from the airport!
We discovered a 1947 street scene in Washington, DC and set out to solve the mystery of where it was. We found the answer, and you can too by reading our blog post!
At the end of World War II, Washington came within a study of building a $56 million, 7.1-mile streetcar subway, which would have been the longest in the country. Here is the 1944 plan, the map, the artist renderings, and why it never got built.
Discover the history of National Airport with a fascinating look back at the old terminal building in 1941. From its humble beginnings as Hoover Field to its critical role in World War II and subsequent expansion, learn about the changes that have shaped this important transportation hub in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Take a look at the Federal Aviation Administration’s headquarters on DC’s Independence Ave. SW and compare it to what the block looked like in 1941 on the eve of World War II. See how the landscape has changed in this comparison.
Take a look back at Washington, D.C. in 1942 during the dark early days of World War II. This photo, taken on a Sunday in July, shows people relaxing along the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. See what else is in the background!
Take a look back in time to 1940 and see the Jefferson Memorial before World War II. Check out these amazing photos from the National Park Service!
Take a look at what the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. looked like the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked. Reminiscent of the day after 9/11, this historic moment in history is remembered and honored here.
Take a look at an old building on 14th St. in Logan Circle, DC in 1942 and today. The US government froze sales of all new automobiles in January 1942, and this building was an automobile dealership at the time. See the photos and find out what’s happening on the block today.
