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Posted In Rock Creek Park

Topographical sketch of the environs of Washington, D.C. : (survey of locality for public park & site for a presidential mansion) / to accompany report of N. Michler, Major of Eng'rs, Bvt. Brig. Gen'l U.S.A.
Exploring the Origins of Rock Creek Park: A Topographical Map from 1866
Discover the origins of Rock Creek Park with this topographical map from 1866. Learn more about the Senate Resolution of July 18th, 1866 that led to the creation of this beautiful park.
Washington, D.C., in the summer of 1926. "Hot weather, Rock Creek Park." National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
The Unbearable Heat of 1926: Washingtonians Take Refuge in Rock Creek Park
In 1926, Washingtonians were desperate to escape the unbearable heat. Some took refuge in Rock Creek Park, as seen in this photo of three Washingtonians attempting to beat the heat. Read more about this historic summer in D.C.
Teddy Roosevelt on horseback (History.com)
Unconfirmed Story of Teddy Roosevelt Striking a Girl with His Riding Whip
140 characters: Unconfirmed reports from the Baltimore Sun stated that Teddy Roosevelt struck a young woman with his riding whip during a ride in Rock Creek Park. Read on to learn the full story.
Alligators in their enclosure in the original Animal House, also known as the Carnivora House, which opened in 1892 and was the first permanent building at the National Zoological Park. The alligators are housed in the "temporary" wooden wing of the structure (Smithsonian)
Proposed National Zoo in Rock Creek Park
We are a great nation and Americans in the 1880s were proud of their rapidly growing and dominant country. But how can you truly be a great nation without a national zoo to show off all the wonderful creatures that roam your lands, as well as those of foreign lands? Not only that, how will you help preserve the species that were being decimated by the rapid westward expansion and industrial progress? A group of school children viewing the first bison at the National Zoological Park in 1899. Photograph...
Franklin MacVeagh in 1909 (Wikipedia)
Secretary of the Treasury Franklin MacVeagh and His Appreciation of Architecture and Urban Planning
Secretary of the Treasury Franklin MacVeagh was a man that appreciated beauty and the aesthetics of architecture. He was also a clear supporter of urban planning with an eye towards maintaining or enhancing the appeal of a city. Learn about his impact on architecture and urban planning in this article!
Bridge suicides headline
Three Men Jump to Their Deaths off Washington Bridges in 1946
In 1946, three men jumped to their deaths off three bridges in Washington, DC. Learn more about their tragic stories, from their family's perspective and the details of the day, in this blog post.
Capital Beltway
What is the Beltway? A Deep Dive into the History of the Capital Beltway
Discover the history and evolution of the Capital Beltway, commonly referred to as 'The Beltway'. Learn about its origins, controversies, and significance in the D.C. metropolitan area.
Farragut Square circa 1881 (maritimequest.com)
Three Random Stories About Farragut Square
What is the history of Farragut Square in Washington, DC? Read three great stories from its past.
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Cooling Off in Rock Creek: A Photo from 1921
Take a look at this amazing photo from 1921 of some kids cooling off in Rock Creek. It looks like they're having an awesome time and it's probably one of those D.C. summer scorchers. Check out the kid in the middle - he looks totally overwhelmed by the water!
Rock Creek Park stone bridge - Beach Drive
An Introduction to the Boulder Bridge of Rock Creek Park
Get to know the history of the Boulder Bridge of Rock Creek Park, designed by Captain Lansing H. Beach and constructed in 1902. Learn about its designer, Major General Beach, and the Melan method of construction used for the span.

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