Washington DC Landmark History

The Rare View of the White House from Above

December 8, 2021November 11, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Take a look back at a time when the White House was visible from the skies above. Due to restricted air space, this view of the White House is nearly impossible to get today.

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: The Cursed Islands in the Potomac River

April 27, 2026October 4, 2013 by ghostsofdc

What is the legend behind Three Sisters Island in the Potomac? It dates back centuries to when the Algonquins lived in what became DC.

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

April 27, 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.

An Incredible 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.

Check out this incredible hand-drawn map of Washington DC, centered on Scott Circle! You’ll see Dupont Circle at the top right. Don’t miss out on the play at the National Geographic headquarters (M St. between 16th and 17th) September 12-14 and 19-21. Get your tickets today!

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.

The Unbuilt Ulysses Grant Memorial Bridge

April 27, 2026June 20, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Bridge ("Memorial Bridge in honor of U.S. Grant"), Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia. Perspective rendering & section

Memorial Bridge in Arlington was supposed to be a bridge built and dedicated to Ulysses Grant in the 1880s. Alas, that didn’t happen.