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Ghosts of DC

  • The Best Of
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  • Notable People & Places
    • Places
      • Washington Monument
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    • People
      • Franklin D. Roosevelt
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      • Woodrow Wilson

Landmarks

Beyond the Mall and the monuments, Washington is full of landmarks with stories worth knowing. These posts cover the squares, circles, markets, arenas, and buildings that have defined the city’s geography and character over the centuries.

A Reader’s Family History: A Relative Who Served as Abraham Lincoln’s Bodyguard

April 27, 2026February 12, 2014 by ghostsofdc

A reader shares the story of tracking down a newspaper article connecting their ancestor to Abraham Lincoln, who served as a bodyguard to the 16th President.

Categories A Personal Story Tags 1860s, Abraham Lincoln, Landmarks

Before It Was Washington, D.C., This Land Was Called Rome

May 15, 2026February 11, 2014 by ghostsofdc
1791 L'Enfant Plan of the new city

The land beneath Washington, DC was once a Maryland plantation called Rome, owned by a man named Francis Pope.

Categories Lost History, The Best Of Tags 1790s, George Washington, Georgetown, Landmarks 4 Comments

Blodgett’s Hotel in Washington, D.C.: From 1793 to the Fire of 1836

October 27, 2021January 27, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Print shows view from street of Blodget's Hotel with stagecoach parked in front and a person walking on the sidewalk on the left, later (from 1802 to 1836) the U.S. Patent Office.

The history of Blodgett’s Hotel in Washington, D.C., from its construction in 1793 through its destruction by fire in 1836.

Categories Lost History Tags 1810s, Architecture, Hotels, Landmarks 4 Comments

Exploring the Streets of Washington DC Through Maps

April 27, 2026December 23, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Take a journey through the streets of Washington DC with these maps from Greater Greater Washington and Flickr user Matt Johnson. Learn more about the city’s history and explore the different street systems.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags Landmarks

Victory of Japan Day in Washington, DC – Celebrating the End of World War II

April 27, 2026December 19, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Jubilant crowd on V-J day dancing on the White House lawn

Flashback to August 14th, 1945 – Victory of Japan day and the final end of World War II. Read about the celebration that took place in front of the White House, in Lafayette Square, and the other regular happenings of the day.

Categories Historical Events Tags 1940s, Landmarks, The White House

Inside the Pension Building in 1918: Before It Became the National Building Museum

April 27, 2026December 9, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Washington, D.C., circa 1918. "Pension Office interior." This former repository of Civil War veterans' pension records is now the National Building Museum. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

This photograph from circa 1918 shows the interior of the Pension Building in Washington, D.C., decades before it was converted into the National Building Museum. The Great Hall’s soaring columns are already in place.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1910s, Landmarks

A Blast from the Past: A Look at Scott Circle in 1950

April 27, 2026December 3, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Scott Circle, NW, looking northeast from Rhode Island Avenue with statue of Gen. Winfield Scott; note glass street sign under globe. (July 8, 1950

Take a trip back in time with this amazing photo of Scott Circle in 1950, courtesy of DDOTDC Flickr. Visit Ghosts of DC to learn more

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Featured Tags 1950s, Landmarks 1 Comment

Uncovering a Terrific Old Photo of the Lincoln Memorial from Virginia

April 27, 2026November 27, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Memorial Bridge, looking from the Virginia side of the Potomac River across to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.

This is a terrific old photo that we found on Flickr. It shows the Lincoln Memorial as viewed across the Memorial Bridge from Virginia. Take a look at this amazing photograph!

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1940s, Landmarks, Lincoln Memorial

JFK and the 1962 All-Star Game at D.C. Stadium

April 27, 2026November 22, 2013 by ghostsofdc
President Kennedy in mid-throw, first pitch of the 1962 All-Star Game at D.C. Stadium.

President Kennedy threw the first pitch at the 1962 MLB All-Star Game at D.C. Stadium, before 45,480 fans. Here’s the story of baseball’s biggest day in DC.

Categories Historical Events, Notable People & Places Tags 1960s, Baseball, John F. Kennedy, Landmarks
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