Washington DC Landmark History

Map of Everywhere George Washington Traveled

November 9, 2022April 14, 2019 by ghostsofdc

This is one of the more fascinating maps we have come across. It shows every single location George Washington visited during his life, all up and down the east coast. From Savannah in the south to Kittery, Maine in the north. The map below was done by the National Geographic Magazine in honor of the first president’s 200th birthday.

A Look Back: Building Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. – May 15th, 1928

April 27, 2026December 28, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Looking east at construction on Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Note the statue on the partially-constructed pedestal just to the right of the abutments (bottom center). The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts erected this mock-up to determine how high statues on the piers of the bridge should be.

Take a look back in time with this beautiful old photo showing the construction of Memorial Bridge looking from D.C. towards Arlington National Cemetery. The photo is dated May 15th, 1928

A Look Back at Life in Southwest Washington in the 1950s

November 9, 2022October 29, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Corner store at 4th and M Streets SW, northwest corner, looking up 4th Street toward L, 1100 block

Take a look back at life in Southwest Washington in the 1950s with this photo of a corner store at 4th and M St. SW. See how the same corner looks today with a Google Maps embed.

1956 DC Vacation Photos: Tours Once Passed by the Front of the White House

November 9, 2022August 21, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Cars in front of the Washington Monument in 1956

In 1956, tourist buses still drove past the front of the White House. GoDCer Bill’s vacation photos show the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Federal Triangle from that year.

1917 Film Footage of 180-Mile Journey Down Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

April 27, 2026May 20, 2015 by ghostsofdc

This is an amazing find on YouTube showing a trip down the C&O Canal back in 1917.

The entire trip took about seven days and they end up down in Washington.

The History of Mt. Pleasant: From Pleasant Plains to The Raven

April 23, 2026April 2, 2015 by ghostsofdc

James Holmead received a land grant here in 1727. The area was known as Pleasant Plains, then The Raven, before becoming Mt. Pleasant.

Exploring the Role of DC in Girl Scout History

April 27, 2026March 12, 2015 by ghostsofdc

The Girl Scout Little House around 1924. It appears the house is in transit, as evidenced by the raised foundation

The first Girl Scout Little House was built behind the White House around 1923 and later moved to 1750 New York Avenue NW.

A View of the Washington Monument From the George Washington Memorial Parkway

April 27, 2026March 11, 2015 by ghostsofdc

VIEW OF WASHINGTON MONUMENT FROM THE VICINITY OF CAPITAL OVERLOOK, 1932. - George Washington Memorial Parkway, Along Potomac River from McLean to Mount Vernon, VA, Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, VA

Take a look at this amazing view of the Washington Monument from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. What do you think? Check out GhostsofDC.org for more!

A Look Back in Time: A Night View of Scott Circle in April 1943

April 27, 2026February 27, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Take a look back in time and explore Scott Circle in Washington, D.C. in April 1943. Check out this great post and aerial view of the circle, as well as a hand-drawn map by Alexander Graham Bell.