July 4, 1926: How Washington Celebrated America’s 150th Birthday
A cast of 1,000 on the Capitol steps, 50,000 at the Monument fireworks, and a plea for DC voting rights. How Washington celebrated America’s 150th birthday in 1926.
Washington Monument
Trump Painted It Blue. Henry Bacon Wanted It Invisible: A History of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
On May 7th, 2026, Trump’s motorcade rolled across the drained Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, freshly painted American flag blue. Architect Henry Bacon designed the 1923 pool as a mirror you weren’t supposed to look at, built on dredged Potomac mud with no foundation.
1885 Dedication of Washington Monument
Terrific old photo of the Washington Monument being dedicated in 1885. Check out the amazing details.
Washington Monument Under Construction in 1883
Washington Monument under construction with U.S. Fish Commission hatching ponds in the foreground and Bureau of Engraving and Printing building in the background.
1877 View of the Washington Monument Under Construction as Seen from the Smithsonian
See what the Washington Monument looked like in 1877, as seen from the Tower of the Smithsonian (now the Smithsonian Castle). This stunning view shows the Monument under construction, a testament to the resilience of the nation.
The Washington Monument in 1933: A Spectacularly Illuminated Photograph
View a spectacularly illuminated photograph of the Washington Monument in 1933. Click the photo for some great details on the Nation’s Capital during this time!
A Journey Through Time: An Iconic 1928 Photograph of the Washington Monument
Take a journey back in time to 1928 and view an iconic photograph of the Washington Monument. This remarkable image captures the timeless appeal of the monument and serves as a reminder of America’s rich history.
Washington Monument’s Original Design: A Look at Robert Mills’ Ornate Vision
The Washington Monument we know today was not what Robert Mills designed in 1836. His plan included a colonnade and Roman temple that were stripped out.
Washington Monument Almost Built As Pyramid
What if the Washington Monument was built as a pyramid instead of an obelisk? It could have been if this design came to fruition.