The 1910 Plan to Take Alexandria Back from Virginia
In 1910, Taft, Hannis Taylor, and Washington’s Board of Trade tried to undo the 1846 Alexandria retrocession. Virginia and a lame-duck clock stopped them
Potomac River
The Potomac River has shaped Washington since before the city existed, serving as the boundary between Maryland and Virginia and the geographic reason the federal capital was placed here. From the Civil War ironclads that patrolled its waters to the bathing beaches that once lined its banks, the Potomac runs through almost every chapter of Washington’s history. These posts explore the river’s long relationship with the city.
A Rare Look at Union Soldiers Guarding the Potomac River in 1861
Take a rare look at Union soldiers guarding the Potomac River in Washington, DC in 1861. Georgetown University is visible in the background. Photo by George Barnard.
A Rare Photo of the Potomac River from 1898
Take a look at this stunning photo of the Potomac River from 1898. Learn more about this rare photo from the Library of Congress and read comments from the GhostsofDC community.
Tragic Drowning of a Young Man on the Potomac River, 1908
This is a sad story of a young man, John McCalip, who was drowned in the Potomac River in 1908, shortly before his wedding. Read more about his story and the tragedy that happened on the river.
It Was 24 Degrees Below Average 130 Years Ago Today: A Look Back at the Misery of Winter in DC
It was a painfully uncomfortable day 130 years ago in DC. We went through the papers to dig up some old stories about the misery of winter and found some good stuff. Read on to learn more about the freezing temperatures and ice jams in the Potomac River!
“The Horrifying Warning From 1973: Don’t Swim In the Potomac River”
“Remember how bad the Potomac River was in the 1970s? Back then, there was a warning posted telling people not to swim in it. Check out this sign from 1973 recommending you seek immediate medical attention after prolonged exposure.”
A Photo of the Boat Club Above Aqueduct Bridge (or Key Bridge Today)
Take a look at this incredible photo of the boat club just above Aqueduct Bridge (or Key Bridge today)
The Three Sisters of the Potomac: The Legend Behind D.C.’s Cursed Islands
Three Sisters Islands in the Potomac carry a Native American curse stretching back centuries. They also nearly vanished under a 1970s highway bridge. Here’s both stories.
That’s Right – The Patawmack River, Not the Potomac: An Early Map of Washington
Check out this cool map of what would become the City of Washington. It was done around 1893 near the city’s centennial. View the Patawmack River, not the Potomac, in this early map of Washington.