riots Archives - Ghosts of DC

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Film Footage of D.C. After 1968 Riots

Here is some really sad and devastating film footage that we dug up showing the city after the riots of 1968.

Photos of Columbia Heights After ’68 Riots

A series of tragic photos showing Columbia Heights after the 1968 Washington, DC riots.

Film of 1968 Washington Riots

Here is an old film that we dug up at the National Archives. It’s from 1968, showing the devastation of the riots following MLK’s assassination.

Soldiers Amid Ruins of ’68 Riots

No commentary needed on this one. A sad day for D.C.

Photo of Military-Occupied H Street in 1968

Wow, this is an amazing photograph of H St. after the riots. See if you can make out where this is on H St. Source: Sam Smith

Mr. Henry's boarded up for protection in 1968

Photo of Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill During the 1968 Riots

What a powerful photo. We dug this up here. Source: DC Almanac

Photograph shows the ruins of a store in Washington, D.C., that was destroyed during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Help Us Identify This: Riot Damaged Store

I see 1806 as the address for the American Rescue Workers Thrift Store. Is this 14th St.? 7th St.? Can anyone identify the location of this image and whether the buildings are there today? UPDATE: Thanks to our readers, it

Riots of ’68: “We Have to Finish What He Worked So Hard For”

I came across an interesting video from 1968 while checking out this YouTube channel. The quote that is the most powerful is when a teacher is reading something written by one of her fifth graders. His dream wasn’t like most

President Johnson signs the 1968 Civil Rights Act - April 11th, 1968

President Lyndon Johnson’s Remarks on the 1968 Riots Before Signing the Civil Rights Act

This is a clip from President Johnson’s speech before signing the bill into law. This was only a week after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis. We all know that the roots of injustice run deep. But

Army jeep containing soldiers on 9th Street with civilian car next to it. There is a sign over a storefront on the corner of the street which reads "SABIN'S 9TH & U RECORDS". Shows the northwest corner of the 9th and U Street (Scurlock Studio Records, ca. 1905-1994, Archives Center, National Museum of American History)

U St. and the Dickson Building After the Riots

The ’68 riots were a tragic and defining moment in our city’s history. Here’s a great then and now shot of 9th and U St. I think you’ll recognize the building in the middle, currently occupied by Dickson Wine Bar.