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.

Discover a pivotal moment in history with Mathew Brady's stunning photo of Washington, D.C. in 1865, capturing the end of the Civil War era.

The Civil War reached the outer edges of Washington in 1864. It was so close that President Lincoln rode near the front lines of Fort Stevens and came under fire.

Take a step back in time with this 1861 photo of Washington, DC. Click on it for a larger version and marvel at the history of our nation's capital! Source: Library of Congress.

Take a look back in time to 1863 and explore Alexander Gardner's Photographic Gallery in Washington, D.C. with this amazing old photo. Click the image for a detailed version.

Take a look at this 1861 Civil War map of the D.C. area to explore the District's history of war. Source: Library of Congress.

At least 400 women disguised themselves as men to join the Civil War, fighting for their side in the only way they could. Learn about one of them, Rosetta Wakeman, and her incredible story in Wild Women of Washington.

Explore the 1863 convalescent camp four miles outside of Washington, run by the U.S. Christian Commission. See photos of the camp and the Commission's 1865 D.C. headquarters.

Take a look back in time to April 1865 and see a photograph of 21st and F St. NW at the conclusion of the Civil War. Does it look a little different to you? Source: civilwarphotos.net

This article reveals the fascinating story of Varina Davis' visit to Washington in 1866, when her husband, Jefferson Davis, was a prisoner at Fortress Monroe. Learn how Varina Davis called on President Johnson at the White House and more!

Explore a Civil War-era map of Fairfax County, Virginia, copied by J. Paul Hoffmann and approved by S. Howell Brown in 1864. Discovered at the Library of Congress.

Discover the remarkable story of Col. Ulric Dahlgren, wounded in the Civil War and commemorated with a plaque at the Navy Yard. Learn how his leg ended up in a parking garage and the history of the building since then.

Take a look back in time with this detailed photograph of the Union encampment at Centreville during the winter of 1861-1862. Click on the photograph for more information and to view the original source.

On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. On the same day, The Evening Star newspaper was published, featuring a "Special Notice" that is as interesting as anything that could be published today. Take a look at the newspaper, the day after the assassination.

Take a look back in history with this old map that shows Jubal Early's Rebel attack on Washington. See the plan of the attack and learn more about this important moment in history.

This amazing image shows the Confederate Ironclad Stonewall anchored in Washington in 1865, with the Capitol Dome visible between the masts. Learn more about the ship and its history with this blog post!

Take a look at this awesome Civil War photograph of a haymarket in Washington, DC. See the Smithsonian in the background? If not, let us know what those buildings are! Source: Library of Congress.

Take an historic journey to Camp Brightwood on the Cultural Tourism D.C. Heritage Trail. Learn more about this Civil War landmark at 5704 Georgia Ave. NW.

Get a glimpse of history with this powerful stereographic card taken during the Civil War at an Alexandria slave pen. Explore the emotional image and learn more about this significant era.

Take a look at the tragic history of Falkland, Montgomery Blair's home, which was burned by Confederate troops or camp followers on July 12th, 1864. Read more on our post about how Silver Spring got its name.

Explore the 1865 Civil War Map of Washington, D.C. from the Library of Congress and discover road and fort locations at the end of the war.

Learn the story of William Orton Williams and Walter Gibson "Gip" Peter, two relatives of Robert E. Lee who were hanged as spies. This guest post is an excerpt from Canden Schwantes' book "Wicked Georgetown: Scoundrels, Sinners and Spies".

Take a glimpse at a stunning bird's eye view of Alexandria, VA from 1863, courtesy of the Library of Congress. It's a beautiful sight to behold!

Discover a fascinating piece of history with this 1862 drawing of Fort Pennsylvania at Tennallytown during the Civil War. Learn more about this important fort from the perspective of the time.

Take a look at the Civil War history of Fort Totten in Washington, DC with these incredible photos. See the panoramic view from 1863, the interior of the fort, and a 100 pound Parrott gun. Explore the past with us!

Explore the fascinating story of how Abraham Lincoln was a technophile and gave birth to the Union Army Balloon Corps in 1861, when Thaddeus Lowe sent him a telegram from a gas balloon over the National Mall.

Explore a rare bird's eye view of Washington, DC from 1861, uncovered by one of the first GoDCers, John. Check out the original online at the Boston Public Library site!

Take a look at an amazing photograph of Carver Barracks on Meridian Hill during the Civil War. In the background, you can see Columbian College (i.e., George Washington University). Learn more about this historic site from Cultural Tourism D.C.!

Happy Saturday GoDCers! We uncovered an incredible Civil War map of the rebel fortifications just west of D.C. in the Boston Public Library archives. Check out the original here!

Explore the Marshall House in Alexandria, Virginia, where the first Union officer was killed during the Civil War. Learn the story of Elmer Ellsworth and the Confederate flag, and see the incredible stereographic image of the Marshall House from the Library of Congress.