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The Palisades

The Palisades is a quiet residential neighborhood in far Northwest DC, perched above the steep bluffs overlooking the Potomac River. Developed in the early 20th century, it retains a small-town feel unusual for a neighborhood within city limits.

Unearthing a 1909 Map of the Palisades During a Birthday Celebration

November 9, 2022September 1, 2015 by ghostsofdc
1909 map of the Palisades

Mrs. Ghost, Ghost Baby and I spent a nice Saturday afternoon celebrating a birthday at a lovely home in the Palisades. We found an old 1909 map of the area. Check out the results and the source of the map in our blog post!

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1900s, The Palisades

How Conduit Road Became MacArthur Boulevard: The 1942 Story

May 14, 2026May 14, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Welcome to the Palisades sign

MacArthur Boulevard used to be called Conduit Road, named for the Washington Aqueduct conduit running 12 miles beneath it. Here’s how it got renamed in March 1942, while General Douglas MacArthur was still defending Corregidor.

Categories Why Is It Named...? Tags 1940s, The Palisades

A Look at the Palisades: A Comparison of a 1903 and Today’s Map

May 6, 2026August 13, 2013 by ghostsofdc
1903 Baist real estate atlas of Palisades

Take a look at the Palisades in 1903, and compare it to today. See a map from 1903 Baist real estate atlas, and a Google Maps view of the area today. Learn about the Palisades history with this comparative view.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1900s, The Palisades 2 Comments

Exploring the Palisades of the Potomac (1890)

March 20, 2022February 4, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Palisades of the Potomac (1890)

Explore the Palisades of the Potomac, a beautiful neighborhood located at the edge of the District of Columbia that was home to some of the wealthiest Washingtonians in the late 19th century. Learn more by viewing the 1890 advertisement!

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1890s, The Palisades 5 Comments
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