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.
Take a look back at history with photos of historic inaugurations of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and Barack Obama. See how the ceremonies have changed over the years!
Take a look back at what Washington D.C. alleys used to look like when they were filled with tenement housing. Learn more about this piece of history here!
At 16th and K St. NW, there once sat a three story Victorian town home, the site of corrupt political dealings within the Harding administration, This is its story.
Explore the home formerly owned by U.S. Treasurer and former North Dakota Governor Frank White at 16th Street Heights. See what it looks like today and the history behind it.
Discover the sad reality of D.C. lacking national representation through this print found in The Evening Star. Visit the Dig DC Collection by the DC Public Library to learn more.
Reflecting on the 200th anniversary of the Burning of Washington, read The Washington Times’ 1914 article on the topic, including major players’ reactions, rumors leading up to it, and President Madison’s disbelief.
In 1888, a gruesome murder occurred in Georgetown, DC. The murder of Agnes Watson shocked the nation, and the story eventually reached the White House itself. Learn how this Georgetown story made its way to the highest office in the land.
Take a look back in time to explore DC in 1903 with this map of the Department of State! See the dog pound at 23rd and C St. and the Herdic-Phaeton building at 19th and E St.
This was the first time an official of the Soviet Union testified before a House committee, by Vitaly Churkin, in an attempt to be transparent after the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
