1861 Civil War Map of Rebel Fortifications West of Washington, D.C.
An 1861 Civil War map of rebel fortifications just west of Washington, D.C., found in the Boston Public Library archives.
Arlington
Just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington has its own history shaped by the Civil War, the growth of the Pentagon, and the transformation of Northern Virginia from farmland to one of the country’s most densely developed suburbs.
Exploring Alexandria and Arlington County Through an Assessment Map
Discover what Alexandria and Arlington County looked like in 1930 with this assessment map. Get a closer look at the area’s buildings and geography in this detailed map!
Uncovering the Lost History of Arlington Beach – A Photo Journey Through Time
Explore the lost history of Arlington Beach in the 1920s, with stunning photos from the National Photo Company Collection. See kids playing at the amusement park, near the Pentagon today, in 1925 and 1923.
The Smile of an Army Cook at Fort Myer in 1917
An unforgettable image of a smiling army cook at Fort Myer in 1917. We may not know his name, but his smile deserves to be shared with friends. Come take a look at this remarkable photo.
Whoopee Party in Chevy Chase Ends in Tragedy with a Fatal Blow (1929)
A 1929 whoopee party in Chevy Chase turned deadly when William Francis Mudd was killed by a blow to the skull. Read the full Washington Post account.
The Citizens’ Military Training Camp in Washington DC
The Citizens’ Military Training Camp gave young men across the Washington DC area a summer of military training. Here is what the experience looked like.
Three Things You Didn’t Know About National Airport
Discover the amazing stories from Washington’s National Airport: from an 8,198-mile nonstop flight to a ticket agent murder to a jurisdictional dispute. Read about these incredible stories and more!
The Origin of Arlington’s Name: From Earl to Lee’s Estate
Arlington County is named for a plantation. The plantation was named for a mansion. The mansion was named for an English village.
Murders Committed, Trains Held Up, and Helpless Women Robbed, But Officers Do Nothing to Check Outlawry, for the “Crimes” Are in Moving Pictures.
Discover the 1911 story of Fort Myer, in Arlington, VA being used as a movie set for silent films. Murders, trains held up, and helpless women robbed – but it’s just moving pictures! Learn more about this amazing story.