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Transit

Long before Metro, Washington moved by streetcar, railroad, and horse-drawn carriage. These posts trace the history of how people got around the capital, from 19th century rail companies to the debates that shaped the modern transit system.

Uncovering Stories: Countess de la Rocca – A Doyen of the Diplomatic Social Circle

April 27, 2026September 18, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Countess de la Rocca in 1914

Uncovering Stories: Countess de la Rocca was one of the most popular hostesses of the diplomatic circle in the early 1900s. Learn more about her role in the diplomatic social circle and what this tells us about our society today.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Guest Posts Tags 1910s, Politics, Transit 1 Comment

Exploring the Historic Point of Rocks Railroad Station: Journey Back to 1873

April 27, 2026September 14, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Point of Rocks railroad station

Journey back to 1873 and explore the historic Point of Rocks Railroad Station, still used as a daily commuter station for the MARC train. Learn more about its design and its role in connecting Washington to the West.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1870s, Transit 4 Comments

The 14th Street Car Barn: From Streetcars to Bus Garage

May 21, 2026July 16, 2012 by ghostsofdc
14th St. car barn under construction - August 2nd, 1907 (Washington Times)

In 1907 a streetcar company built its 14th Street car barn to look like an Italian villa. Behind that facade, 250 trolleys once slept.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1900s, Brightwood, Streetcars, Transit 1 Comment

Investigating a Massive Train Wreck in 1922 Laurel, Maryland

May 6, 2026July 3, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Laurel, Maryland. July 31, 1922. "Two B&O freights wrecked in head-on crash at Laurel switch." National Photo Company glass negative (Shorpy)

Take a look at the aftermath of a massive train collision in 1922 Laurel, Maryland – two freight trains barreling down the same track towards each other in a massive explosion of steel and coal. Read the Washington Post report and see more photos of the crash site.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1920s, Transit 3 Comments

DC Metro Trains Were Almost Bright Red: The 1960s Design That WMATA Rejected

March 26, 2026May 31, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Metro trains were almost painted tomato red. Designer Carl Sundberg killed the idea over $9,000 per car in paint costs.

Categories Guest Posts Tags 1970s, Transit 15 Comments

3 Things You Didn’t Know Happened at Chevy Chase Circle

May 6, 2026April 26, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Chevy Chase Circle (Wikipedia)

Take a trip to the far reaches of the District and learn about 3 things you didn’t know happened at Chevy Chase Circle: a tragic suicide, a cricket match, and a tornado!

Categories Three Things... Tags 1890s, 1900s, Baseball, Chevy Chase, Tenleytown, Transit, U.S. Census 1 Comment

Three Random Stories About Farragut Square

April 27, 2026March 7, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Farragut Square circa 1881 (maritimequest.com)

What is the history of Farragut Square in Washington, DC? Read three great stories from its past.

Categories Three Things... Tags Landmarks, Military, Parks, Politics, Rock Creek Park, Transit 2 Comments

Washington Metrobus Strike in 1974

June 2, 2026February 15, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Commuter traffic from bus strike (1974)

When was the bus strike in Washington, DC? In 1974 it created a traffic nightmare for commuters.

Categories Historical Events Tags 1970s, Transit 1 Comment
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