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Capitol Hill

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.

Celebrating 90 Years of History at Frager’s Hardware

December 8, 2021June 24, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Frager's Hardware

Celebrate 90 years of history at Frager’s Hardware in Capitol Hill, DC. Founded by Russian Jewish immigrant, Fritz Frager, this local institution has remained a mainstay for over 9 decades. Show your support and help to rebuild!

Categories Three Things... Tags 1950s, 1960s, Capitol Hill

The Powerful and Haunting Image of Mr. Henry’s Boarded Up for Protection in 1968

January 1, 2022June 22, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Mr. Henry's boarded up for protection in 1968

Revisit the powerful and haunting image of Mr. Henry’s boarded up in 1968 in Washington, DC. This photo was uncovered from the DC Almanac.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1960s, Capitol Hill, riots 2 Comments

Uncovering the History of East Capitol Street Before It Was a Street

April 30, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Bird's-eye view of the east Capitol grounds, including the Greenough statue of George Washington, and East Capitol Street taken from the dome of the U.S. Capitol.

Take a journey back in time to explore the history of East Capitol Street, before it was even a street. See a fascinating old photograph, mislabeled as Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park, taken by William M. Chase.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1860s, Capitol Hill 1 Comment

A Look Back in Time: East Capitol Street from the Dome, 1880 and Today

December 7, 2021April 22, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Photograph shows Carroll Row, a block of five houses at 1st & A Street, SE, razed in 1887 for construction of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Includes the sign "Architect."

Take a look back in time with us at East Capitol Street from the Dome, with a photo taken in 1880 and a modern update. Check it out!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1880s, Capitol Building, Capitol Hill 4 Comments

The History of Providence Hospital and the Fight to Save Providence Park

April 27, 2026April 2, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Providence Hospital in the early 1900s (Library of Congress)

Providence Hospital opened on Capitol Hill in 1861. It took First Manassas wounded a month later. The site is now Providence Park.

Categories Lost History Tags 1960s, 1970s, Architecture, Capitol Hill, Congress 16 Comments

1800 Plan of Washington and Capitol Hill Lots

November 4, 2021February 27, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Plan of part of the city of Washington : on which is shewn the squares, lots, &c., divided between William Prout Esq’r and the Commissioners of the Federal Buildings, agreeably to the deed of trust / laid down from a scale of 200 feet pr. inch by N. King, 1800.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1800s, Capitol Hill 2 Comments

Unraveling the Untold History of the 1869 Murder Trial of Millie Gaines

May 8, 2023January 8, 2013 by ghostsofdc
The jury that tried Millie Gaines in 1869 for the murder of a white man, and freed her on an insanity please. It was composed of six colored and six white men. This was the first murder trial in the District in which a mixed jury sat. Reading from left to right seated; 2, David Fisher; 4, the Rev. James D. Reed; 6, Leonard C. Bailey. Standing from left to right; 2, Charles Humphries; 4, John A. Gray; 6, Herbert Harris (The Baltimore Afro-American - May 4th, 1935)

Unravel the untold history of the 1869 murder trial of Millie Gaines. Discover the salacious details of the interracial love affair, the complicated love triangle, the jealous rage, and the gruesome murder that lead to the first trial in DC with a racially mixed jury.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1860s, Capitol Hill 3 Comments

An Incredible View Down New Jersey Ave. in 1863

January 15, 2022December 10, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Take a look at this incredible view down New Jersey Ave. in 1863. The caption reads: Southeast view with New Jersey Ave. on the right and A Street and B Street (i.e., Independence Ave.) in the foreground. View includes the Washington Navy Yard, the Eastern Branch, and much more.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1860s, Capitol Hill 6 Comments

Exploring Lincoln Park with an Amazing 1903 Map

November 28, 2019November 1, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Lincoln Park Baist real estate map in 1903

Explore the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood with an amazing 1903 map. Look at the many vacant lots and the race track at 15th and North Carolina Ave. GoDCers love maps

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1900s, Capitol Hill 3 Comments
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