Capitol Hill is one of the oldest and most historically layered neighborhoods in Washington, stretching from the Capitol itself east through the rowhouse blocks that housed members of Congress, their staffs, and generations of working families. These posts dig into the neighborhood’s history, from its earliest houses to the urban renewal battles that defined it in the 20th century.
Take a look at the incredible transformation of the United Food Stores Market in Washington, DC from 1932 to now! Compare the vintage photo to Google Street View and marvel at how far we’ve come!
Take a look at this fun old photo taken on December 14th, 1923. It shows a large group of boys who were Congressional pages on both sides of the aisle, battling it out with snowballs. Wouldn’t it be great if Members of Congress took this tactic to solve gridlock today?
Get a rare glimpse of Washington, D.C. from Capitol Hill with this historical photograph. The image features the Washington Jail, Aldrich’s Wholesale Flour, Grain & Feed Warehouse, and more.
Explore East Capitol Street in 1888 with this historic map. Find wood and brick buildings from over a century ago. Discover a piece of DC history with this interactive map from the Library of Congress.
A look back at a sad old photo from the Library of Congress. See a famous Capitol landmark being dismantled to make way for modern business.
Discover the remarkable story of Col. Ulric Dahlgren, wounded in the Civil War and commemorated with a plaque at the Navy Yard. Learn how his leg ended up in a parking garage and the history of the building since then.
A photograph of children playing in Defrees Alley, a forgotten alley community in Northeast Washington.
Discover the beautiful old Baist maps of Capitol Hill. Learn more about the history of the region and take a look at the 1909 Baist map of Capitol Hill, sourced from the Library of Congress.
Take a step back in time and visit the historic Sewall-Belmont House in Washington, D.C. Learn more about its rich history and how it’s still standing today. Come explore the grounds and make sure to take a look at the late 1920s photo of the House.
