The History of Providence Hospital and the Fight to Save Providence Park
Providence Hospital opened on Capitol Hill in 1861. It took First Manassas wounded a month later. The site is now Providence Park.
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.
Remembering Stewart’s Castle: A Tragic Loss in Washington’s Architectural History
Discover the story of Stewart’s Castle, a lost gem of Washington DC’s architectural history. Learn about its design, famous residents, and ultimate demolition in 1901 in this post.
Southern Railway Building: Fire, Then Federal Triangle
The Southern Railway Building stood at 13th and Pennsylvania for 50 years. Then it burned. Then the federal government paid $2.68 million to clear it for Federal Triangle.
What Did K Street Look Like in 1850?
There was a time when Washington, even the city itself, was very rural. Imagine livestock roaming the streets, unpaved roads, and small farms in the District.
Inside the Walsh-McLean Mansion on Massachusetts Avenue
The Walsh-McLean Mansion on Massachusetts Avenue was built by gold-mining magnate Thomas Walsh. A look at its royal visitors, soirees, and the long-lost golden nugget.
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.
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.