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Bridges

The Ulysses Grant Memorial Bridge That Was Never Built

April 27, 2026March 21, 2019 by ghostsofdc

Congress proposed a Ulysses Grant Memorial Bridge in 1887, to stand where Arlington Memorial Bridge is today. This rendering shows what DC almost got.

Categories Lost History Tags Bridges, Ulysses S. Grant

A Rare Glimpse of Chain Bridge in 1861

April 27, 2026October 2, 2016 by ghostsofdc
Chain Bridge in 1861

We recently came across a rare picture of Chain Bridge in 1861. Click through to read more and see this historic image from the Library of Congress.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1860s, Bridges

A Look Back: Building Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. – May 15th, 1928

April 27, 2026December 28, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Looking east at construction on Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Note the statue on the partially-constructed pedestal just to the right of the abutments (bottom center). The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts erected this mock-up to determine how high statues on the piers of the bridge should be.

Take a look back in time with this beautiful old photo showing the construction of Memorial Bridge looking from D.C. towards Arlington National Cemetery. The photo is dated May 15th, 1928

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1920s, Arlington, Bridges, Landmarks 2 Comments

Discovering a Cool Old Photo of Aqueduct Bridge 105 Years Later

April 27, 2026October 6, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Bridge spanned the Potomac River from Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia and was demolished after construction of the Key Bridge

Take a trip back in time 105 years and explore the Aqueduct Bridge as seen in a cool old photo. Discover what the bridge looked like before it was demolished after the construction of the Key Bridge.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1910s, Arlington, Bridges, Georgetown 1 Comment

Three Sisters Bridge Across the Potomac Was Never Built

April 27, 2026April 13, 2015 by ghostsofdc

The Three Sisters Bridge was first proposed by L’Enfant in 1789 and seven more times after that. The 1967 version nearly got built.

Categories Lost History, The Best Of Tags 1960s, 1970s, Bridges 16 Comments

Uncovering the Mystery of the Cabin John Bridge: Can Anyone Help Date This Image?

April 27, 2026January 12, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Cabin John Bridge

Uncovering the mystery of the Cabin John Bridge: We found this image at the Library of Congress and it says it was done in 1852, though the bridge wasn’t completed until the 1860s. Can anyone help date this image?

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags Bridges 5 Comments

JFK’s Opposition to Widening Chain Bridge Road in McLean, VA

April 27, 2026January 8, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Hickory Hill - the Kennedy estate on Chain Bridge Road

Learn about JFK’s opposition to widening Chain Bridge Road from McLean into the District. We also uncovered some interesting facts about the history of McLean, VA. Read more about this story here!

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1950s, Bridges, John F Kennedy 3 Comments

Exploring the Harvard St. Bridge in Washington, DC

April 27, 2026December 31, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Wide view of the Old Harvard Street Bridge across Rock Creek Park taken from the south (down creek) side. A dirt road with a log fence appears on the right.

Take a look back in time to explore the Harvard St. Bridge in Washington, DC. This bridge crosses Rock Creek Park and has been a part of the city since 1909. See a photo of the old bridge and learn more here.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1900s, Bridges, National Zoo, Parks

Birth of Patti Sue Williams: Unbelievable Story of a Baby Born on Key Bridge in 1956

April 27, 2026November 26, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Key Bridge

In an incredible story of a mother’s dedication, The Washington Post reported in 1956 on the birth of Patti Sue Williams on Key Bridge in Fairfax. Read the article excerpts and find out whether you know this brave woman!

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1950s, Bridges, Key Bridge 1 Comment
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