Library of Congress Archives - Page 2 of 2

A Look Back at the Construction of the Library of Congress in 1893

December 7, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Construction of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1893

Take a look back at the construction of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. from May 10, 1893 with this historic photo from the Library of Congress itself. Click on it for greater detail.

Who is POTUS 25? An über History Geek Test with Photos from the Library of Congress

April 27, 2026June 15, 2012 by ghostsofdc

McKinley & cabinet (Library of Congress)

If you know off the top of your head who POTUS 25 is, you are an über history geek! Take the quiz and enjoy the Library of Congress photos below. Test your knowledge now!

The Biggest Spring Snowstorms in Washington, DC – Photos from the Library of Congress Archives

September 1, 2019March 5, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Bus going through the snow near Connecticut Avenue and Chevy Chase Circle

Take a look at some of the biggest snowstorms to ever hit Washington, DC in the spring! See photos of the snowstorm from 1942 and 1891, found in the Library of Congress archives.

A Look Back at Babe Ruth’s Visit to the White House in 1921

May 6, 2026February 9, 2012 by ghostsofdc

On December 7th, 1921, baseball’s greatest hitter Babe Ruth visited President Harding in the White House. See an old photo of him exiting the West Wing and read about his earlier visits to the Executive Office of the President.

You Wouldn’t Have Your Child Be a Jaywalker: Don’t Be One Yourself

September 1, 2019January 23, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Streetcar decorated with safety slogans (1922)

This century-old safety slogan is still relevant today. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t be a jaywalker and why this old photograph from the Library of Congress archives is so amusing.

Witnessing History: A Silent Film of President William McKinley Shot by Thomas Edison in 1901

April 27, 2026January 21, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Witness history in this incredible silent film of President William McKinley, shot by Thomas Edison in 1901 at the Capitol. Thanks to the Library of Congress, we can see what life was like over a hundred years ago!

Exploring a Fascinating Old Photo from the Library of Congress

May 6, 2026January 15, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Explore a fascinating old photo from the Library of Congress, gifted to the Library in 1947 by Herbert French. It was created somewhere between 1909 and 1940 and features Native Americans at the White House.

The Burning City: The Aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr’s Assassination

May 6, 2026January 10, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Soldiers in the streets of D.C. (7th and N St NW)

There’s a strong element of sadness watching this video. A burning city, military occupation … what essentially was complete chaos in the city from April 4th to April 8th, 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Economically it seriously devastated the corridors of 14th St NW, 7th St NW and H St NW. It has only been in the last decade that these neighborhoods have seen a significant resurgence. The damage to 14th Street NW in particular created the conditions for what became DC’s red-light district through the 1970s and 80s.

Here are a couple more photos of the riots.

Soldiers in the streets of D.C. (7th and N St NW)

Also check out these riot aftermath photos on Flickr.

Watching Teddy Roosevelt’s Inauguration in 1905 – A Fascinating Look Back in Time

May 6, 2026January 8, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Now this is a great one from the vaults of the Library of Congress. I found this on YouTube (of course). There’s no sound, but it’s very interesting to watch.

On Mar. 4, 1905, Teddy Roosevelt was inaugurated in Washington, D.C. with much celebration and fanfare. He rides in an open landau on 15 St. NW, escorted by mounted Rough Riders; Secret Service men and detectives walk on either side of the carriage; he tips his hat to the crowd.

Sitting beside him is Senator John C. Spooner of Wisconsin, Chairman of the joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Opposite, but not clearly visible, are Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Mass. and Representative John Dalzell of Penn., members of the committee. Second sequence consists of long shots of Roosevelt taking the oath of office on a platform erected on the east front of the Capitol; Chief Justice Melville Weston Fuller (1888-1910) administers the Presidential oath of office as Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court James H. McKenney holds the Bible.

The platform is decorated with plants and garlands and a large banner with the American eagle on it hangs from the center of the railing. West Point cadets and Annapolis midshipmen are assembled below the platform.