Swampoodle and the 1903 Map That Marked It for Demolition
In 1903 a blue-inked overlay on a real estate atlas of Washington DC marked the Swampoodle neighborhood for demolition. Union Station erased it by 1908.
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.
Hobbit Houses Near Boundary Castle and a Surprise Historical Connection
GoDC buddy Wayne has kindly requested some digging into the story of the “hobbit homes” on V St. NW. We’re happy to oblige as we are quite curious of their origins. So, this will be a unique “If Walls Could Talk” for GoDCer Wayne. The homes we are investigating are situated about two blocks from … Read more
Three Stories About Boundary Castle
From 1888 to 1949, Senator John Henderson’s 30-room stone castle stood on 16th Street NW above Florida Avenue.
Three Stories About the Department of Commerce Building
A mile of hallways, 3,700 radiators weighing 420 tons, and a basement aquarium running since 1932. That’s the Commerce Department.
Exploring the Most Haunted Place in DC on All Hallows’ Eve
Join us as we explore the Octagon House, the most haunted place in the City of Washington, DC, on All Hallows’ Eve! See a photo of a boy walking up the steps to the house and learn why you shouldn’t knock on the door tonight.
Three Fascinating Stories From the History of Dorchester House in Kalorama
The Dorchester House at 2480 16th Street NW opened in 1941. Jack Kennedy and his sister Kathleen lived there in apartment 542.
Dorchester House: A Magnificent Residential Colony of Superior Quality
Dorchester House opened in 1941 and one of its early residents was John F. Kennedy. This iconic building has a lot of history – time for a Three Things or If Walls Could Talk post on it!
The Hadleigh Apartments: A Luxurious New Apartment Hotel in Washington, DC in 1919
In 1919, construction began on the luxurious Hadleigh Apartments in Washington, DC. Learn about the $2,000,000 building, the mortgage, and the major bus accident that happened nearby.
Exploring the History of Spring Valley, Au Park and Wesley Heights
Join us as we explore the history of DC’s Spring Valley, AU Park & Wesley Heights neighborhoods. From WWI munitions to the home of Bucky Harris, discover the stories behind these areas!