Eastern Air Lines Flight 537: The 1949 Crash That Killed 55 Near National Airport
At 11:46 on November 1st, 1949, a young controller kept calling: Bolivia 927, turn left. The pilot never answered. Fifty-five died.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
Exploring History Through Photographs: Entrance to Washington Water Works at Great Falls, 1860s
Explore history through this amazing photograph from the 1860s. See the entrance to the Washington Water Works near Great Falls and discover more about this incredible image.
The Potomac Boat Club in 1921: A Fascinating Look at the Past
Take a step back in time and explore the past with this fascinating photo of the Potomac Boat Club in 1921, standing in front of, what will soon become, the Key Bridge. See why this old photo is worth looking at!