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.
Relive the past and read Donald Rumsfeld’s 1966 opinion piece on the removal of political appointments from the Post Office Department. Learn more about the 13th district Congressman from Illinois elected in 1962.
Discover the legacy of Matthew Gault Emery, the last mayor of Washington City before the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1871. Learn more about his life, the era he lived in, and his accomplishments in office.
Learn about the long and controversial history of Mormon representation in the U.S. Senate, from the first Mormon to be elected, Reed Smoot in 1902, to Mitt Romney’s presidential run in 2012. Plus, read the Washington Post coverage of the battle over Reed Smoot’s eligibility.
Explore the history of Blaine Mansion in Dupont Circle around 1900 and discover Pizzeria Paradiso, the go-to spot for great pizza and beer. Get all the details here!
Some things never change. An article from The Washington Post on November 8th, 1913, speaks to frustrations over US-Mexico relations that still sound familiar.
Four miles northwest of Middleburg, at the base of Rattlesnake Mountain, sits the only home John and Jacqueline Kennedy ever built together. Named Wexford after the Irish county the Kennedys came from, it hosted JFK for about five weekends before Dallas.
Did you know the CIA’s headquarters was almost built in Alexandria, Virginia? This Washington Post article from 1955 explains what happened.
Everyone calls the CIA Langley. But why? The name traces from a Virginia governor, a Shropshire estate, and exit signs that lied for over a decade.
Welcome to Groundhog Day! We revisit the 1995 Federal Government Shutdown and the West Wing episode it inspired. Plus, who plays Ted Cruz in the movie adaptation? Read more to find out!
