The Duo Who Built D.C.’s First Freeway: Archie Alexander, Maurice Repass, and the Whitehurst Story
A four-year-old cut the ribbon on the Whitehurst Freeway on October 8, 1949. It was Washington’s first elevated highway.
Architecture
Washington’s built environment is the product of grand ambitions, fierce debates, and brilliant (and sometimes terrible) ideas across more than two centuries. These posts dig into the buildings, architects, and design decisions that shaped the city we know today.
The Godey Lime Kilns: Washington D.C.’s Forgotten Industrial Relic
The stone arches near the Kennedy Center are the Godey Lime Kilns, Washington’s last 19th-century industrial ruin.
The Old Glass House of Washington
In 1807, two brothers named Andrew and George Way opened a glass factory on the Potomac, where the Lincoln Memorial stands today.
When Was the Hay-Adams Hotel Built?
Before the Hay-Adams Hotel went up in 1928, the lot held the homes of John Hay, Lincoln’s secretary, and the writer Henry Adams.
1930s Washington D.C. Apartment Listings: A Glimpse into Great Depression Living
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.
The Enduring Legacy of the Smithsonian Castle: A Symbol of Knowledge and Resilience
Explore the history and significance of the Smithsonian Castle in Washington D.C. Learn how this architectural gem served as a symbol of unity and enlightenment during the tumultuous post-Civil War era and its evolving role as the heart of the Smithsonian Institution. Discover how the Castle has endured as a treasured national landmark for over a century.
Washington’s Suburbs in 1961: How the City Spilled Into Maryland and Virginia
A 1961 Washington Post map plots every real estate subdivision ringing the city, capturing the postwar suburban explosion in Maryland and Virginia.
The Story of Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska’s Mansion
Oleg Deripaska’s mansion at 2501 30th NW replaced a 30-room Tudor Herbert Haft razed in 1985 to build his ‘mini-Versailles.’
Exploring the Fascinating History of the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, DC
Check out this fascinating old stereographic photo of the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, DC. Learn more about its history from John DeFerrari’s blog and Ghosts of DC. Explore now!