The Architects the Library of Congress Forgot
John Smithmeyer and Paul Pelz won the design competition in 1873. They spent 13 years redesigning it. Then Congress fired them. Here’s what happened next.
Library of Congress
Exploring Washington, DC in 1887: An Incredible Old Map
Check out this incredible old map of Washington, DC from 1887. See how the city and its environs looked over 130 years ago and explore the points of interest within a 20 mile radius of the Capitol.
What the Library of Congress Could Have Looked Like: Leon Beaver’s Design from 1873
Take a look at the proposed design for the Library of Congress by Leon Beaver in 1873. Check out some of his drawings to see what the Library of Congress could have looked like!
Saving History – The Story of Davidson Modern Movers and the Library of Congress in December 1941
In December 1941, as a precautionary measure, the Library of Congress transported 5,000 boxes of materials to 3 locations of “relative security.” We can thank Davidson Modern Movers for saving one set of these documents. Read the story of this amazing event here!
The 1861 View From The Capitol Roof: A Look North
Take a look at the 1861 view from the Capitol roof! This post looks at the sites visible from Washington, DC in 1861, including the ghostly, blurred waving American flag in the center
The Evening Star: A Look at the Day After President Lincoln’s Assassination
On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. On the same day, The Evening Star newspaper was published, featuring a “Special Notice” that is as interesting as anything that could be published today. Take a look at the newspaper, the day after the assassination.
Proposed National Library at Judiciary Square: Two Drawings from 1875-1879
Explore two drawings of the proposed National Library at Judiciary Square between 1875 and 1879. See what could have been if this plan had been accepted!
A Look Back in Time: The Library of Congress in the Early 1900s
Take a look back in time and see the Library of Congress in the early 1900s with this amazing, sharp photo. See the history and beauty of this iconic building.
An Amazing Old Photograph of the Library of Congress Inside the Capitol Building in 1866
Take a look at this amazing old photograph from 1866, which shows the interior of the old Library of Congress in the Capitol Building before the current one was constructed.