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.
DC had a split drinking age for years: 18 for beer and wine, 21 for spirits. It made Georgetown a magnet for underage drinkers from Maryland and Virginia. It took a fatal crash on the Capital Beltway in September 1986 to finally change it.
A satellite image of President Obama’s inauguration on the National Mall in January 2009.
In 1961, the Washington Redskins were the only NFL team without a black player on their roster. Dallas Cowboys saved the Redskins from complete disaster that year, and the power of the federal government, coupled with the Redskins’ owner, forced the ‘Skins to integrate. Learn more about how the Redskins overcame their all-white team in 1961.
In 1971, President Nixon granted Sammy Davis Jr. membership to the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity. An odd couple united by their beliefs in economic opportunity, the photo captures a poignant moment in history.
A photograph of President Gerald Ford taken on August 10th, 1974, the day after Nixon resigned. Ford’s expression captures the weight of the moment.
Take a look at the famous trio of celebrities who attended the ’63 March on Washington: Sammy Davis Jr., Charlton Heston, and Harry Belafonte. See photos from the event!
Caroline Harrison set her own deadline. October 13, 1892, the cornerstone centennial. Fred D. Owen drew the plans. She missed dedication day by twelve.
This is a rare glimpse at the White House as viewed from the South Lawn before the Truman renovation. Check out this amazing photo from the Charles W. Cushman Photograph Collection.
50 years ago today, this headline in The Washington Post was apropos. Though today’s rancor over the debt ceiling is far worse, it’s a reminder of where we came from. Our debt ceiling is now close to $17 trillion.
