The Willard Hotel has stood on Pennsylvania Avenue just steps from the White House since the 1850s, making it one of the great gathering places in American political history. Generals, presidents, and lobbyists have all passed through its lobby. These posts explore the Willard’s long history, from its role in the Civil War to its midcentury decline and eventual restoration.
In June 1949, three D.C. police officers rescued Private Paul J. McDuff from the ninth-floor ledge of the Willard Hotel, as reported in the Washington Post.
This 1932 photograph from the roof of the Willard Hotel shows Pennsylvania Avenue and the Federal Triangle construction underway. The Old Post Office Pavilion, the Southern Railway Building, and the District Building are all visible.
Discover the intriguing story of Philemon T. Herbert, a notorious figure in 1850s California politics. From his tumultuous time in Congress to a shocking incident at a Washington hotel, explore the scandalous life and dramatic downfall of Philemon Herbert.
This 8×10 inch dry plate glass photograph from the Smithsonian shows the Willard Hotel and the Old Post Office tower in downtown Washington. It’s packed with street-level detail worth spending time with.
Discover the story of Mark Twain’s visit to DC in December of 1906 as he testified before Congress on copyright hearings. His testimony was sprinkled with humor to lighten the mood of the committee. Read the article to find out more!
This 1922 photograph of the Willard Hotel rewards a close look. The window details, the street activity, and the surrounding Pennsylvania Avenue buildings tell a story about downtown Washington at the height of the Jazz Age.
Today, I’m flipping the order or my posts and kicking the morning off with a cool old photo from Shorpy, taken at the intersection of 14th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Click the photo for a higher resolution image and share this one with your friends on Facebook.
This macabre story from the Washington Post in 1903 chronicles the tragic death of Edward M. Fossler, an elevator conductor at the New Willard Hotel. Learn more about this gruesome accident and the hotel that wasn’t even fully complete yet.
In 1922, Calvin Coolidge and his family had a unique experience while staying at the Willard Hotel in DC. Find out what happened when he was challenged by a fire marshall in the middle of the night!
