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Crime

The Assassination of President Lincoln: The War Department’s Wanted Poster

April 27, 2026June 22, 2012 by ghostsofdc
reward poster by the War Department for Booth, Surratt and Herold (Library of Congress)

The assassination of President Lincoln is one of the most tragic events in the history of Washington. Learn about the War Department’s wanted poster for the conspirators and the massive hunt for them in the days following the assassination.

Categories Historical Events Tags 1860s, Abraham Lincoln, Crime, Ford's Theatre, Politics

The Gruesome Tale of Charles Shaw & Grave Robbing in 19th Century DC

April 27, 2026June 13, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Medical students dissect a cadaver during the Civil War (National Museum of Civil War Medicine)

Discover the gruesome tale of Charles Shaw, convicted of murdering his sister & sentenced to death in 1883 DC. Unearth the dark world of 19th century body-harvesting & grave-robbing for medical research in this macabre story.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1880s, Crime, Georgetown, Georgetown University

The Bizarre Story of James Madison Wyatt Stone’s Decapitation During a Hanging in 1880

April 27, 2026June 12, 2012 by ghostsofdc
James Madison Wyatt Stone in the Washington Post

Read the bizarre story of James Madison Wyatt Stone’s execution in 1880, which resulted in his decapitation during a hanging. This article from the Washington Post is filled with gruesome details that are sure to shock and horrify.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1880s, Crime 2 Comments

Gnawed Bones, a Wild Dog, and a Tragic Story from the Washington Post in 1941

April 27, 2026June 1, 2012 by ghostsofdc

1941 Washington Post Tale: Grim Discovery of Gnawed Bones & a Wild Dog in Kingman’s Lake. Unravel the mystery of Omara Wilson’s fate.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1940s, Anacostia River, Crime, Washington Post 6 Comments

96 Years Before District of Columbia v. Heller: Purchasing a Firearm at National Sporting Goods Co.

April 27, 2026May 17, 2012 by ghostsofdc
The Huntsman's Store advertisement in the Washington Times - October 20th, 1912

96 years before District of Columbia v. Heller, purchasing a firearm in DC was a much simpler affair. Learn about National Sporting Goods Co. in 1912 and their bargain prices on 12 gauge Remington automatics and revolvers.

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1910s, Crime 1 Comment

Senator John Stennis Shot in Cleveland Park in 1973

April 27, 2026May 8, 2012 by ghostsofdc

In January 1973, Senator John Stennis of Mississippi was shot in the chest and leg in DC’s Cleveland Park neighborhood. He survived 6 1/2 hours of surgery and two Washington teenagers were charged. Read the full story here.

Categories Featured, From the Crazy Vault, Notable People & Places Tags 1970s, Cleveland Park, Crime, Politics 7 Comments

Exploring the Charlatanism of Dr. Clark Johnson and His Indian Blood Syrup

December 20, 2021May 3, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Explore the life of Dr. Clark Johnson, a charlatan who sold the miracle cure-all Indian Blood Syrup. See pictures of old bottles, read instructions and more!

Categories From the Crazy Vault, Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1880s, 1890s, Crime, Notable People

Edward M. Fossler’s Tragic Death at the New Willard Hotel in 1903

November 28, 2019April 25, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Edward M. Fossler article headline in Washington Post on August 15th, 1903

This macabre story from the Washington Post in 1903 chronicles the tragic death of Edward M. Fossler, an elevator conductor at the New Willard Hotel. Learn more about this gruesome accident and the hotel that wasn’t even fully complete yet.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1900s, Crime, Willard Hotel

Tragedy on Klingle Ford Bridge: The 1925 Fatal Wreck of Henry Thayer and His Family

March 28, 2022April 20, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Connecticut Avenue bridge wreck in 1925 (Shorpy)

On June 16th, 1925, the Thayer family veered off Klingle Ford Bridge on Connecticut Avenue, plunging 75 feet and resulting in the death of Mr. Thayer and his daughter. Read the tragic story of the Thayer family’s fatal wreck and the sole survivor, baby Miriam Macias.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1920s, cars, Crime
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