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.
Take a look at the Civil War history of Fort Totten in Washington, DC with these incredible photos. See the panoramic view from 1863, the interior of the fort, and a 100 pound Parrott gun. Explore the past with us!
Explore the fascinating story of how Abraham Lincoln was a technophile and gave birth to the Union Army Balloon Corps in 1861, when Thaddeus Lowe sent him a telegram from a gas balloon over the National Mall.
150 years ago today, an advertisement for soldiers was published in the Daily National Republican. See the ad, plus an interesting warning notice about fraudulent tickets being sold!
Explore a rare bird’s eye view of Washington, DC from 1861, uncovered by one of the first GoDCers, John. Check out the original online at the Boston Public Library site!
Happy Saturday GoDCers! We uncovered an incredible Civil War map of the rebel fortifications just west of D.C. in the Boston Public Library archives. Check out the original here!
Explore the Marshall House in Alexandria, Virginia, where the first Union officer was killed during the Civil War. Learn the story of Elmer Ellsworth and the Confederate flag, and see the incredible stereographic image of the Marshall House from the Library of Congress.
This incredible high resolution photo of Washington, D.C. in 1865 was taken from 14th and B St. NW (i.e., Constitution Ave.). Check out this amazing photo from the Library of Congress’ archive!
Explore Fort Totten through a rare photograph taken just after the Civil War in 1865. See the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery at the gate of the fort in this remarkable image.
A macabre photo share from 1865 of Henry Wirz being executed for war crimes in the Civil War. Wirz was captain of the prisoner of war Camp Sumter near Andersonville, Georgia and one of only two men tried, convicted, and executed for war crimes in the Civil War.
