Dupont Circle takes its name from Civil War admiral Samuel Francis du Pont, whose statue anchored the traffic circle until 1884. The neighborhood has been one of Washington’s most fashionable addresses since the Gilded Age, home to grand mansions, rowhouses, and embassies that have defined its character across 150 years. These posts dig into the history behind Dupont Circle’s streets and buildings.
Take a look back in time to explore Washington, DC before the Great Depression. See photos of 18th, N St. and Connecticut Ave. and 21st and Florida Ave. from 1929.
Take a step back in time and explore what south of Dupont Circle and Farragut looked like in 1919, before the Mayflower was built. See the historic map from the Library of Congress.
We came across an amusing headline from 1921 about a noise complaint against the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity in Georgetown. Times never change do they? Read on to find out more about this ‘suggestive songs’ noise complaint!
He was forty-one, the king of bookmaking in DC, and out on bail. Two days later he was on the floor in his maroon robe.
Ross Elementary at 1730 R St. NW is named for John W. Ross, a Harvard law graduate, Georgetown lecturer, and District Commissioner appointed by Presidents Cleveland and McKinley. Here’s the story behind the name.
Take a look at this old photo of Connecticut Avenue in 1904 and explore the people, places, and things that make up this historic image. See a larger version and add your comments below.
Take a look at this beautiful 1940s DC rowhouse. Do you know where it could be located? Could it be in Dupont or Columbia Heights?
Take a step back in time and learn the fascinating story of The Toronto, an apartment building in Dupont Circle offering rent for $45/month in 1920. Read the incredible story of its construction and collapse.
Three former US Secretaries of War, Jacob Dickinson, Newton Baker, and Dwight Davis, lived in three different Washington houses while serving in the Cabinet. All three buildings are still standing today.
