A Foreigner’s Impressions of Washington in 1799
Cows in the streets, a well overflowing near the White House, and woods where the Capitol stands. John Davis saw Washington in 1799 before it was a capital.
Georgetown
Georgetown is one of Washington’s oldest neighborhoods, predating the federal city itself. These posts explore its colonial-era streets, Federal rowhouses, working waterfront, and the characters who shaped one of DC’s most enduring communities.
Photos of Lost Southworth Cottage in Georgetown
This cottage sat atop the Exorcist Stairs in Georgetown. Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth wrote more than 60 novels in the latter part of the 19th century and was one of the most widely read authors of that era.
Abandoned Capitol Traction Company Powerhouse in 1967
These haunting 1967 photos show the inside and outside of the old Capitol Traction Company Powerhouse, previously located on the Georgetown waterfront.
Carl Mydans’s September 1935 Photos of Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Carl Mydans photographed Georgetown in September 1935, capturing children playing in the streets and a neighborhood that looked very different from today.
Georgetown in 1830: A Map Showing Street Names Before They Changed
An 1830 map of Georgetown showing the original street names. Wisconsin Avenue was High Street and M Street was Bridge Street.
A Detailed Look at the Georgetown Map from the Library of Congress
Take a closer look at this detailed map of Georgetown from the Library of Congress. Click on the image for greater details and find out more about this historic map.
This Crazy Old Photo Shows Georgetown’s Flooding and the Potomac in 1918
Check out this old photo of Georgetown’s flooding and the Potomac River in 1918. Read more about it at The Georgetown Metropolitan.
Bird’s-Eye View of Georgetown, D.C. in 1855
An 1855 painting showing Georgetown, D.C. from an elevated perspective.
Exploring Old Georgetown Neighborhoods: An 1885 Map
Take a journey back in time and explore the old Georgetown neighborhoods of 1885 with this map. Learn about the history of the area and discover the original patents of Mill Seat, Philadelphia, and Frogland.