The Tidal Basin was created in the 1880s as part of a land reclamation project that transformed the marshy flats south of the Mall into usable ground. It has been home to the Jefferson Memorial since 1943 and the famous cherry trees since 1912, but these posts look beyond the landmarks to the Tidal Basin’s history as a working flood control reservoir and the site of Washington’s most beloved public swimming beach.
Discover the frozen Tidal Basin of the past with this fascinating historical photo. See the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in the distance, and learn about the history of ice skating and walking on the Tidal Basin. Read on to learn more.
The photograph is Washington police officer Bill Norton measuring the distance between the knee and the swimsuit.
Peter Conover Hains was a U.S. Army Major General who served in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. The point carries his name.
Take a look back at Washington, D.C. in 1942 during the dark early days of World War II. This photo, taken on a Sunday in July, shows people relaxing along the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. See what else is in the background!
In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo gave 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, DC as a sign of friendship. Learn more about the gift and find out where to find cherry blossoms in DC away from the tourist masses!
Take a step back in time with our look at the pie-eating contest held at the Tidal Basin Bathing Beach in 1921. See the amazing photos and learn about this historic event!
Tragedy struck on New Year’s Eve when an auto wreck in the Tidal Basin claimed two lives and left one man rescued. Read the story of the fatal accident and the efforts of the park police to save the driver.
Take a virtual trip back in time with this Throwback Thursday photo of East Potomac Park and Hains Point from the 1930s. Learn the history behind Hains Point and the other landmarks in the photo!
Take a nostalgic look back at Washington’s old Tidal Basin bathing beach and imagine what it was like to swim there in 1920. Read more to find out!
