Smithsonian Institution History, Washington DC

Washington Before the Civil War: An 1857 View from the Mall

March 28, 2022December 19, 2013 by ghostsofdc

One of the earliest known photographs of Washington, taken in 1857, shows the Smithsonian Castle in the distance and an unpaved Mall.

Garnet Jex’s 1936 Painting: An Aerial View of the Smithsonian

August 30, 2019November 6, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Explore the beauty of Garnet Jex’s 1936 painting, an aerial view of the Smithsonian. See the stunning details and learn more about this amazing artwork.

Exploring the Cool Print We Found on the Library of Congress Website

April 28, 2026August 23, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Balloon view of Washington, D.C., Harper's Weekly, July 27, 1861, p. 476. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZ62-71022. Smithsonian Institution Building can be seen at the top center east of the Potomac River and Virginia, Washington Canal visible, proceeding from the Potomac River due east and then southeast.

Discover a cool print found on the Library of Congress website. Check it out and explore what it has to offer

A Look Back: View of the Department of Agriculture, The Smithsonian Castle, and the US Capitol from the Washington Monument 100 Years Ago

April 28, 2026June 24, 2013 by ghostsofdc

View of the Department of Agriculture, The Smithsonian Castle and the US Capitol taken from atop the Washington Monument

Take a look back in time to see what Washington DC’s Department of Agriculture, Smithsonian Castle, and US Capitol looked like over a hundred years ago. Thanks to the DC Public Library, we have this amazing photo taken from atop the Washington Monument.

Exploring the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874 – A Look Back at History

November 28, 2021May 21, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Looking south from the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 11th Street, the silhouette of the Smithsonian Institution Building is seen in the distance. The photograph, taken by William Henry Holmes and signed "W.H.H. Phot.," shows horse-drawn carriages along the avenue of storefronts. Above the first building to the right of 11th Street, the sign reads "Latimer & Cleary Auction and Commission Merchants", the next building has a sign "Star Buildings," and the third building "Metropolitan."

Take a step back in time and explore the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874. See the horse-drawn carriages, the storefronts, and the signs as captured in this historic photograph taken by William Henry Holmes.

A Rare Look at the Washington Monument in the 1940s

April 27, 2026May 20, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Aerial view from the Washington Monument showing the "Tempos" or temporary buildings before their demolition. They were located on the site of the future National Museum of History and Technology (NMHT), now the National Museum of American History (NMAH)

Take a rare look at the Washington Monument in the 1940s, when temporary buildings occupied the current site of the Museum of American History. See the aerial view from the Washington Monument and learn more about the history of the area.

Exploring the Smithsonian’s Flickr Feed: A Look at the Arts and Industries Building Around 1905

November 24, 2021May 17, 2013 by ghostsofdc

At the turn of the century, visitors are entering and leaving the United States National Museum Building, now Arts and Industries Building, via the North Entrance. The entrance has glass doors, which dates it to before the Hornblower and Marshall designed doors installed between 1902-1907

Take a look back in time as we explore the Smithsonian’s Flickr feed and uncover a photograph of the Arts & Industries Building around 1905. Learn more about this historical moment here!

A Rare Look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s – Thanks to Shorpy

February 19, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Smithsonian Castle between 1860 and 1865

Take a rare look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s, thanks to the amazing photograph from Shorpy. This appears to be a photo we haven’t yet seen!

An Amazing View of DC in 1867 – Found on Library of Congress Site

October 25, 2021December 14, 2012 by ghostsofdc

West-southwest view with Maryland Ave. SW and B Street SW

Check out this amazing view of Washington, DC in 1867. We found this gem on the Library of Congress site and have included the full caption. See the image and find out more about the view!