WMATA Archives - Page 2 of 3

The Arrival of Metro in Brookland: Remembering an Article from 1977

November 25, 2021October 10, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Brookland is now an up-and-coming neighborhood in Washington DC, but it wasn’t always this way. In 1977, the Washington Post printed an article about how Metro was about to arrive. Read on to learn more about the past and present of this DC neighborhood.

Never Built: Metro’s Bridge Over Rock Creek

November 3, 2021October 1, 2013 by ghostsofdc

In these 1966 drawings, train cars roll under Connecticut Avenue, but above Rock Creek. These amazing early Metro plans never came to fruition. They depict the Red Line between Dupont Circle and Woodley Park.

A Rare Look at the Dupont Circle Metro Station – Vintage Photos of Washington, D.C.

July 17, 2022August 19, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Check out this rare vintage photo of the Dupont Circle Metro Station in Washington, D.C.! See what this station looked like in the past and explore the historical context of this iconic station.

What If The Kennedy Center Had Its Own Metro Station?

March 20, 2022June 25, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Kennedy Center from the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

Imagine if the Kennedy Center had its own Metro station. Here’s an article from the Washington Post from 1966 that explores the estimated cost and feasibility of making this a reality.

This Retro Metro Infomercial from the 1970s Is Amazing!

March 28, 2022June 6, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Check out this amazing retro DC Metro infomercial from the 1970s! Thanks to GoDCer Harrison for sharing this awesome find on InTheCapital.

From 1941: Washington’s Traffic Problem and the Possibility of a Subway

January 15, 2022June 3, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Read this fascinating article from the Washington Post from April 8th, 1941, when only Boston, New York and Philadelphia had subways. Learn about the traffic problem in Washington at the time and the possibility of a subway being built.

The History of Washington DC’s Metro Center Station

March 26, 2022February 12, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Learn about the history of Washington DC’s Metro Center Station, from the 1969 plans for the station to the current hub of the DC Metro. Discover stories about the station’s construction and how it became the bustling hub it is today.

A Letter From A GoDCer: A 20-Year-Old Documentary on Vintage DC Street Scenes

November 13, 2012 by ghostsofdc

We love getting stuff like this from readers. Here’s the email we received last week from a GoDCer.

Dear Ghosts of DC:

I just uploaded a film to Youtube that I made in ’91 that documents some vintage DC street scenes and urban storefronts:

http://youtu.be/JPxZYhjPCY8

I’d describe it as an experimental travelogue that’s maybe a bit too arty for it’s own good, but nevertheless captures some Ghosts of DC:

tracking shot of northside 900 block F Street NW, including the Dor-Ne Corset Shoppe
The Wiz Records on F Street
Fort Stevens Liquor Store on upper Georgia Ave.
Melody Records on Dupont Circle
Murrays Steaks
Globe posters

My video originally aired on the local PBS station WETA-TV, but has been sitting in my “basement archives” for 20 years. BTW, I’m the guy who made the cult-documentary HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT.

Feel free to post the Youtube link. I’ve included a few stills to use on your website.

Regards,

John

Uncovering the Mystery of WMATA’s “Halloween In Washington” Sketch

December 19, 2021October 31, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Discover the mystery behind one of WMATA’s earliest sketches, “Halloween In Washington.” Learn more about the sketch’s history, significance and the clues that point to when it was made.

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

March 26, 2026May 31, 2012 by ghostsofdc

This is a guest post by Aaron. He also wrote a cool one on the 1940 U.S. Census.

We suspect you’ve ridden Metro for many years – without seeing anything quite like these stunning “glossy red” train cars. They were part of the original plan. Sure they’re sleek and sporty but they never progressed beyond the drawings and models seen here. Why not? And where did this space-age mockup come from?