Washington was built to be the seat of American government, and its political history runs deep. These posts cover presidents, Congress, Cabinet members, scandals, inaugurations, and the machinery of power that has defined the city since 1800.
See the oldest known photo of the U.S. Department of State, taken in 1857. Learn more about the old State Department building before it was located in Foggy Bottom and even before it was located in the State, War, and Navy Building next to the White House.
The first State of the Union was in 1800 by our second president, John Adams. Thomas Jefferson began the tradition of passing along the state of the union in writing to Congress, allegedly because he felt he was an inadequate public speaker. In 1913, the task of speaking directly to a joint session of Congress … Read more
DC’s diagonal avenues, named for states, all radiate from the Capitol. The prominent ones nearby honor the original thirteen colonies.
Take a look at the Washington Directory from 1822 and explore the regular people living in the city, including our fifth president, James Monroe. See the page that’s really interesting!
Take a look back in time with this cool old photo showing President Herbert Hoover with a large group of boys and girls at the White House
Hinckley was arrested and found not guilty of his charges by reason of insanity. He was sent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC, less than ten minutes from the place he attempted to assassinate Reagan.
Maryland was named for Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, in 1632. The history of how it was settled is stranger than most people know.
Grace Coolidge, wife of President Calvin Coolidge, was an avid baseball fan and attended the 1924 World Series in Washington. Read about her experience and watch film footage of the game!
GoDCers, help solve the mystery! GoDCer Josh sent this photo in back in January and we’re now getting around to posting it. Could you help identify the man in the middle? Add your comments below and help us solve the mystery!
