Washington DC Landmark History

White House From Above: A Century of Aerial Photos

June 18, 2026November 11, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Nine historic aerial photographs of the White House from 1909 to today, from the Library of Congress, showing a century of change from above.

Recognizing Buildings in an Aerial View of Washington Circle

April 27, 2026November 4, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Take a look at this aerial view of Washington Circle along K Street in Washington, DC. How many buildings can you recognize? With a bit of help, you can even spot the Capitol Building at the top right corner

The Three Sisters of the Potomac: The Legend Behind D.C.’s Cursed Islands

May 17, 2026October 4, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Three Sisters Islands in the Potomac carry a Native American curse stretching back centuries. They also nearly vanished under a 1970s highway bridge. Here’s both stories.

The Journey of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi’s “Fountain of Light and Water” from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to Bartholdi Park

June 18, 2026September 18, 2013 by ghostsofdc

In 1877 the United States purchased Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi's "Fountain of Light and Water" – commonly called the Bartholdi Fountain. Beginning in 2008, the Architect of the Capitol undertook a complete off-site restoration of the cast-iron fountain and made numerous improvements to the basin within Bartholdi Park. The fountain returned to Bartholdi Park in May 2011, and the park is open to the public.

Explore the journey of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi’s “Fountain of Light and Water” from the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia to its current home in Bartholdi Park. Learn how the fountain became a popular nighttime destination in Washington D.C.

Hand-Drawn Map of Washington, DC Centered on Scott Circle

April 27, 2026September 4, 2013 by ghostsofdc

This is Bell’s hand-drawn map of downtown Washington, D.C., centered on Scott Circle. Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts Avenues are all clearly visible on the map—as well as 15th through 19th Streets. At the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and 15th Streets, Bell indicated the location of his Washington, D.C., residence by scrawling “A.G. Bell.” The National Geographic Society headquarters on M Street between 16th and 17th Streets would be located on the far left side of this map.

A hand-drawn map of Washington, DC centered on Scott Circle, with Dupont Circle visible at the top right.

Exploring Analoston Island: A Georgetown University Visit

April 27, 2026August 21, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Explore Analoston Island with Georgetown University Library. Discover the beauty and history of this unique island with photos and resources from the university’s archives.

Proposal for Rock Creek Park in Washington DC, 1886

April 27, 2026August 13, 2013 by ghostsofdc

In 1886, a proposal for Rock Creek Park in Washington DC was made. Read and explore the idea, its history and how the land was eventually used for something more important than a park: Arlington National Cemetery.

The Sad History of L’Enfant Plaza in D.C.

April 13, 2026August 1, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Southwest Washington, D.C. With South End Of L'Enfant Plaza In Foreground, April 1973

L’Enfant Plaza in Washington D.C. has a sad history. It was once a vibrant part of the city, but it was bulldozed in the 1960s as part of an urban renewal program. Learn more about this unfortunate chapter of D.C. history.

A 1977 Photograph of Union Station in Washington, DC

February 18, 2023July 11, 2013 by ghostsofdc

A photograph from 1977 shows Union Station in Washington, DC before its restoration, when the surrounding area was far less developed.