Bladensburg MD Archives

The History of the Cocktail and the Palo Alto Tavern: Where It All Began

November 21, 2021June 27, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Palo Alto Hotel and Saloon - September 19th, 1899

Discover the history of the cocktail and its connection to the old Palo Alto Tavern in Bladensburg, Maryland. Learn about the famous guests, the cocktail’s claimed birthplace, and the duel that was responsible for its invention.

The War of 1812 and Relocating the Nation’s Capital

March 27, 2026March 1, 2012 by ghostsofdc

The White House ruins after the conflagration of August 24, 1814. Watercolor by George Munger (WIkipedia)

Why is the capital in Washington, DC? After the British burned the White House and Capitol in the War of 1812, the capital almost moved back to Philadelphia.