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Dupont Circle

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.

Nubby Nuckols: The DC Bookmaker Who Shot Himself in 1938

May 8, 2026February 11, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Nubby Nuckols (1938)

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.

Categories A Personal Story, Notable People & Places Tags 1920s, 1930s, Crime, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Prohibition

Who Was John W. Ross? The Story Behind Ross Elementary School in Dupont Circle

May 13, 2026February 5, 2014 by ghostsofdc
John W. Ross Elementary School

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.

Categories Why Is It Named...? Tags 1900s, 1930s, Dupont Circle, Notable People 1 Comment

Exploring an Old Photo of Connecticut Avenue in 1904

December 27, 2019December 4, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Connecticut Avenue in 1904

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.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1900s, Dupont Circle 7 Comments

Where is this 1940s DC Rowhouse? Could it be Dupont or Columbia Heights?

November 25, 2021December 3, 2013 by ghostsofdc
1940s DC rowhouse

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?

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1940s, Architecture, Dupont Circle

Living Off Dupont Circle for $45/Month in 1920: The Toronto Story

March 9, 2022November 19, 2013 by ghostsofdc
advertisement for The Toronto - 1920

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.

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1920s, Dupont Circle 2 Comments

Exploring the History of Blaine Mansion in Dupont Circle and Pizzeria Paradiso

April 27, 2026November 12, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Blaine Mansion 1900

Explore the history of Blaine Mansion in Dupont Circle around 1900 and discover Pizzeria Paradiso, the go-to spot for great pizza and beer. Get all the details here!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1900s, Dupont Circle, Politics 2 Comments

Take a Trip Through Memory Lane with this 1981 Apartment Listings Page from The Washington Post

April 28, 2026October 21, 2013 by ghostsofdc
1981 apartment listings

Take a trip down memory lane with this 1981 apartment listings page from The Washington Post. Check out the prices and see if you recognize any of the addresses!

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1980s, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom 1 Comment

A Look at 2101 Connecticut Ave. NW, One of Washington’s Most Ornate Apartment Buildings

December 22, 2021October 14, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Take a look at the ornate 2101 Connecticut Ave. NW apartment building in Washington, DC. This beautiful building was advertised in The Washington Post in 1928 and still stands today.

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1920s, Architecture, Dupont Circle

Exploring an Old Postcard of Connecticut Ave. NW at the Intersection with Columbia Rd.

April 28, 2026August 16, 2013 by ghostsofdc
View down Connecticut Ave. NW at intersection with Columbia Rd.

We found a terrific old postcard of Connecticut Ave. NW and Columbia Rd. in Washington, DC. If you were look down this road today, you would see the Hilton Hotel. Explore this historic postcard!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1900s, Dupont Circle 5 Comments
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