Washington sat at the center of the Civil War, serving as the Union capital with Confederate territory just across the river. These posts cover the forts, hospitals, battles, figures, and everyday life that defined the city during the war years.
Explore the 1863 convalescent camp four miles outside of Washington, run by the U.S. Christian Commission. See photos of the camp and the Commission’s 1865 D.C. headquarters.
Take a look back in time to April 1865 and see a photograph of 21st and F St. NW at the conclusion of the Civil War. Does it look a little different to you
Learn how Sarah Josepha Hale wrote to Abraham Lincoln in 1863 and urged him to establish a national day of thanksgiving. Read the transcribed letter, Lincoln’s proclamation, and Obama’s 2013 Thanksgiving Proclamation.
This article reveals the fascinating story of Varina Davis’ visit to Washington in 1866, when her husband, Jefferson Davis, was a prisoner at Fortress Monroe. Learn how Varina Davis called on President Johnson at the White House and more!
Check out this rare photo of a beer garden from just after the Civil War located at 4th and E St. NE in Washington, D.C. Discover the history of this iconic establishment with the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
Built in 1856 and demolished in 1964, Armory Square Hospital stood for more than a century on Independence Ave and 7th Sts. SW. Take a look inside Ward K of the hospital in 1865 with this photo and map of the hospital’s location.
Explore a Civil War-era map of Fairfax County, Virginia, copied by J. Paul Hoffmann and approved by S. Howell Brown in 1864. Discovered at the Library of Congress.
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.
Take a look back in time with this detailed photograph of the Union encampment at Centreville during the winter of 1861-1862. Click on the photograph for more information and to view the original source.
