Building the DC Metro: Vintage Construction Photos
Vintage photos from Metro’s own archives document the decade-long construction of the Washington subway system before it opened in 1976.
1980s
The 1980s were a tale of two Washingtons. The corridors of power hummed with Reagan-era confidence, while the crack epidemic devastated neighborhoods across the city. Mayor Marion Barry dominated local politics throughout the decade, and the question of what kind of city DC would become hung over every block.
McLean Gardens: From Hope Diamond Estate to WWII Worker Housing to Wisconsin Avenue Condos
Friendship was the McLean estate where Evalyn Walsh McLean kept the Hope Diamond. In 1942 it became apartments for 3,500 war workers.
Maya Lin’s Winning Design Concept for the Vietnam Memorial
In 1981, Maya Lin won the contest to design the Vietnam Memorial at the age of just 21. Learn how her abstract design concept was sketched by Paul Stevenson Oles and became a powerful memorial in Washington, DC.
A Letter from Bill Clinton to Ronald Reagan in 1988
Uncover the interesting history between Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan when we dug up this letter from 1988 when Bill Clinton was the Governor of Arkansas at the National Archives.
Remembering the Redskins’ Glory Days: Hail to RGIII and the Washington Redskins!
Take a nostalgic look back at the Redskins’ heyday and the hope for a brighter future with Robert Griffin III. Hail to the Washington Redskins!
1229 Wisconsin Ave NW: The History of Georgetown’s Apple Store Building
The building at 1229 Wisconsin Ave NW in Georgetown has a history that predates Apple. Here is the full story of one of DC’s most distinctive retail spaces.
A Look Back at the History of 1319 Connecticut Ave NW, Home of Mad Hatter
Take a look back at the history of 1319 Connecticut Ave NW in Dupont Circle, home of the Mad Hatter! We uncover the stories of Mrs. Cordley’s antiques store, The Jenny Shoppe, Wig Fair and more.
The History of Whitlow’s on Wilson in Arlington
Whitlow’s on Wilson opened in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood and became one of the area’s most popular bars and music venues. Here is the history of how it started and where it began.
Ghost Dog Visits the Duke Ellington Bridge: Three Stories From This Historic Landmark
The bridge at Calvert Street over Rock Creek opened to a 30,000-person parade on December 19, 1935. Renamed for Ellington in 1974.