Rock Creek Park runs through the heart of Washington, a 1,754-acre strip of forested parkland that has divided the city’s neighborhoods since it was established by Congress in 1890. The park has served as a recreational escape for Washingtonians for more than a century, and its history includes Civil War fortifications, a functioning flour mill, and the unsolved murder of a Georgetown socialite. These posts explore Rock Creek Park’s long and layered history.
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.
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 … Read more
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!
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.
The original Beltway Bandits were an actual crime gang. Plus: how I-495 was built, how it got its name, and why “inside the Beltway” means what it means.
What is the history of Farragut Square in Washington, DC? Read three great stories from its past.
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!
Boulder Bridge is one of Rock Creek Park’s most distinctive landmarks. Here is the history of how the rustic stone bridge was built and what makes it unique.
