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Politics

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.

Georgetown’s Last Call: DC’s Fight Over the Drinking Age

October 16, 2026January 29, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Crowds at the corner of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown at midnight, 1982

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.

Categories Historical Events Tags 1980s, Congress, Georgetown, Politics

The Inauguration of President Obama in 2009, Seen from Space

April 27, 2026January 22, 2014 by ghostsofdc

A satellite image of President Obama’s inauguration on the National Mall in January 2009.

Categories Historical Events Tags 2010s, Politics

1961 Washington Redskins: The Last All-White NFL Team

June 18, 2026January 6, 2014 by ghostsofdc
1961 Washington Redskins

The 1961 Redskins went 1-12-1 in their first season at DC Stadium, the only NFL team without a black player. Both the win and the tie came against Dallas.

Categories Historical Events Tags 1960s, Politics, Sports

Nixon and Davis Jr.: An Odd Couple United by the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity

April 27, 2026December 20, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Pres. Nixon w/ Sammy Davis, Jr., new member of Nat'l. Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity

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.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1970s, Politics, Richard Nixon

President Ford on August 10th, 1974: His First Full Day as President

April 27, 2026December 17, 2013 by ghostsofdc

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.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1970s, Politics, The White House

Celebrity Attendees at the ’63 March on Washington: Sammy Davis Jr., Charlton Heston, and Harry Belafonte

April 27, 2026December 16, 2013 by ghostsofdc

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!

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1960s, Politics

Caroline Harrison’s Unbuilt White House Expansion of 1892

May 16, 2026December 5, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison, First Lady from 1889 to 1892, in studio portrait. She drove the 1891 expansion plan with architect Fred D. Owen.

Caroline Harrison set her own deadline. October 13, 1892, the cornerstone centennial. Fred D. Owen drew the plans. She missed dedication day by twelve.

Categories Lost History Tags 1890s, Politics, The White House, Unbuilt Washington

A Rare Look at the White House Before the Truman Renovation

April 27, 2026December 4, 2013 by ghostsofdc
South view of the White House and South Portico photographed by Charles Cushman in summer 1938, before the Truman renovation

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.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1940s, Politics, The White House

Dick Cheney Replaces Donald Rumsfeld as Chief of Staff, 1975

April 27, 2026November 20, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Cheney and Rumsfeld in 1975

In November 1975, Dick Cheney replaced Donald Rumsfeld as President Ford’s White House chief of staff. The Post said no one noticed any difference.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1970s, Politics, The White House
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