History of Washington, DC, USA

In February 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln embarked on a perilous journey to assume office amidst rising tensions in the United States. Lincoln, aware of the threat to his life, arrived in Washington, D.C. on February 23, after an assassination attempt in Baltimore, Maryland. This event, known as the Baltimore Plot, unfolded as Lincoln traveled from Illinois to the nation's capital for his inauguration.

The plot, orchestrated by pro-Southern secessionists, aimed to prevent Lincoln from taking office by assassinating him during his train passage through Baltimore. To thwart the plan, Lincoln's advisors devised a covert plan. Disguised and escorted by Allan Pinkerton, a detective, Lincoln departed from Philadelphia in the early hours of the morning. He traveled under the alias "Mr. Thompson," avoiding detection and safely reaching Washington, D.C.

The passenger train which left Washington at a quarter to seven o'clock, yesterday morning, for this city, met with an accident just after starting out, by which it was detained for over two hours behind schedule time, and in which several employees of the road were injured, some of them, perhaps, seriously.

From one of our reporters, who was on the train, we learn the following particulars:
When nearing Eldridge's Lane, (which is about twenty miles this side of the Federal capital,) the engineer perceived a number of cows on the track, and promptly whistled "down brakes." The injunction was a promptly complied with; but too late & a crash, then a shock, and the engine, tender, and baggage were thrown a shapeless wreck across the track.

MR. WILLIAM GALLOWAY, the engineer, sustained several injuries, all of them of a trivial character. The baggage-master, GEORGE MITCHELL, was quite seriously injured in the side, but will recover, beyond a doubt. Several other persons either...

In 1862, amidst the American Civil War, an important event took place in Washington, D.C., which would foreshadow the broader emancipation of slaves in the United States. On April 16, 1862, nine months prior to President Abraham Lincoln's historic Emancipation Proclamation, all slaves owned within the District of Columbia were legally freed. This action made Washington, D.C., the first region in the United States to abolish slavery through legislation.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on April 14, 1865, actor John Wilkes Booth entered the presidential box at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C., and fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln. As Lincoln slumped forward in his seat, Booth leapt onto the stage and escaped through the back door. A doctor in the audience rushed over to examine the paralyzed president. Lincoln was then carried across the street to Petersen's Boarding House, where he died early the next morning.

A man in Washington recently went to the house of a woman very sick with consumption, and beat her in a shocking manner. She had made her will in his favor, and disappointment at finding her alive prompted the assault.

WASHINGTON, June 24. - SENATE. - The bill making the 4th of July, Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving Days legal holidays in the District of Columbia passed, and goes to the President for his approval.

declaring the government of the District of Columbia a municipal corporation not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States and the provisions of this act.

On December 6, 1884, a significant moment in American history occurred with the completion of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. This iconic obelisk stands as a tribute to George Washington, the first President of the United States and a founding father of the nation. Designed by architect Robert Mills, the monument's construction began in 1848 but faced numerous delays due to financial difficulties and the Civil War. However, on this day, the structure was finally completed, standing proudly as the tallest structure in the world at that time, soaring to a height of 555 feet and 5.125 inches (169.294 meters).

On June 2, 1886, Grover Cleveland made history by becoming the first sitting president to marry in the White House. His bride was Frances Folsom, the daughter of Cleveland's late law partner and friend. Frances, also known as Frank, was just 21 years old, making her the youngest first lady in U.S. history.

The wedding was a relatively private affair, with only close friends and family in attendance. Despite the intimate nature of the ceremony, the event drew significant attention from the public and the press. Cleveland's marriage to Frances marked a departure from the typical image of a bachelor president and added a touch of romance to his administration. The couple went on to have five children, solidifying their place in American presidential history.

On January 13, 1888, the National Geographic Society was founded in Washington, D.C., with the goal of increasing and diffusing geographic knowledge. The society was established by a group of visionaries, including explorers, scientists, teachers, and other individuals with a passion for exploration and understanding the world around them. Initially, the society focused on exploring the United States and its territories, but its scope quickly expanded to encompass the entire globe.

Over the years, the National Geographic Society has played a crucial role in promoting geographic education, supporting scientific research, and inspiring people to care about the planet. It has funded numerous expeditions, published countless articles and books, and produced award-winning documentaries and maps. The society's iconic yellow border magazine, first published in 1888, has become synonymous with high-quality photography and in-depth storytelling about the wonders of the world.

The Washington Monument, an iconic obelisk honoring George Washington, opened to the public on October 9, 1888, in Washington, D.C. Construction of the monument began in 1848 but was halted for several years due to a lack of funds and the Civil War. The structure stands at 555 feet tall and was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, a title it held until the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889.

The monument's opening was a grand event, drawing thousands of visitors who marveled at its sheer size and elegant design. It quickly became a symbol of the United States and a popular tourist destination.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded on October 11, 1890, in Washington, D.C., with the aim of promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The organization was established during a time when there was a growing interest in preserving the history and heritage of the United States, particularly related to the American Revolutionary War.

The DAR played a significant role in advocating for the preservation of historic sites, such as Mount Vernon and the home of George Washington, and in promoting education through scholarships and awards. The organization also worked to foster a sense of patriotism and national pride, encouraging members to honor their ancestors who had fought for American independence.

Ford's Theatre in Washington Collapsed Carrying Over 400 People into the Wreck-The Place Condemned Nearly 30 Years Ago-It was Used as Record Division of the War Department.

WASHINGTON, June 9. (Special).- The old Ford's theatre where Lincoln was assassinated, this morning, at 9.30, fell with a crash that startled the entire city.

The building has of late years been used as Record Division of the War Department and over 400 men were engaged at work when the accident happened.

Half an hour later 28 bodies had been taken from the ruins, besides a great many injured who had been removed to Emergency Hospital which is now crowded.

The peculiar situation of the place makes it impossible that many of the whole number escaped without more or less injury, and bodies are being taken out as fast as willing hands can clear the wreck sufficiently to find them.

This building has been condemned since 1865, but congress has been unwilling to make any appropriation for its...

Washington, a city, capital of the United States, named in honor of George Washington in 1791, is located in the District of Columbia, on the Potomac River, in lat. (Observatory) 38°53' 39" N. and lon. 77°2'48" W. from Greenwich. It is itself a meridian, and many of our maps reckon their longitude from this city. Its distances from ' principal cities of the United States are—from Baltimore, 40 miles; Philadelphia, 136; New York, 226; Albany, 376; Boston, 432; Detroit, 526; Chicago, 763; San Francisco, about 2000 (in an air-line); St. Louis, 856; Cincinnati, 497; Pittsburg, 223; Richmond, 122; Charleston, 544; Mobile, 1033; New Orleans, 1203; and Nashville, 714.

General Aspect.—Washington is situated on the left bank of the Potomac, and was originally embraced between two tributaries, the East Branch on the E. and Rock Creek on the W., the latter separating it from Georgetown. The plan of the city is unique, and everything is laid out on a scale that shows an anticipation of a great ...

...In Washington.
Washington, Feb. 9. - This city is passing through one of the severest spells of cold weather it has ever experienced. All trains are late, and most of those on the way here have been stalled in the mountains. Many cases of frost bite were reported. HENRY GLAUSMAN, a Baltimore and Ohio track walker, was terribly, perhaps fatally frozen. JAMES WHEAT, JOHN HORN and CHARLES CLARK, homeless wanderers were severely frozen...

Washington, May 19 - Fire swept away a whole block of commercial buildings opposite the Smithsonian Institute soon after 8 o'clock last evening. The lives of at least six firemen were crushed out by falling walls. The loss will exceed $200,000. The buildings covering the block adjoining the Centre Market constituted practically the entire commission and wholesale produce business of Washington, and while not of great value, their contents burned so fiercely that a great portion of the residents from all parts of the city were attracted to the scene of the conflagration. From 7 to 8 o'clock the city was visited by one of the most terrific thunder storms in years and it is thought lightning traveling on telegraph wires entered a Postal Telegraph sub-station and started the flames, which spread rapidly through the highly inflammable materials of the building on Louisiana avenue, Ninth, Tenth and D streets. In a few minutes, under general alarm orders, the entire fire department commenced ...

It was erected in honor of George Washington. It is 555 feet high, 55 feet square at the base, and contains 18,000 blocks of marble, two feet thick. In the interior is an elevator, and 50 flights of stairs, 18 steps each.

Many generations before George Washington, as the New World Romulus, paced off in person the metes and bounds of the Federal City, the powerful Algonquin tribe of American Indians had established their capital within the confines of what is now the District of Columbia. Powhatan, the father of Pocahontas, conducted, with his eighty painted chiefs, his savage councils of war, or peaceably smoked his calumet within view of the hill destined to become the site of the forum of the Republic. Nacochtank, afterwards Latinized as Anacostan by the Jesuit fathers who accompanied Lord Baltimore to Maryland, and now called Anacostia, a suburb of Washington, was the precise location of Powhatan's wigwam capital.

The first white man to approach the seat of government of these barbarian warriors was Captain John Smith, who sailed up the "Patawomeke" in 1608. The famous adventurer only partially explored the country, the principal item in the log book of his voyage being that he found the river...

Washington, Aug. 9. — While endeavoring to recover the hat of a friend, which had blown off into the bay, Richard P. Walker, a bricklayer, who lived at 135 Carroll Street southeast, in this city, was drowned at Chesapeake Beach. Walker is a widower and leaves no family.

Early in the day he went to the resort with his nephew, George M. Handy, and a friend of the name of Williamson. They strolled around the grounds and generally enjoyed themselves until the afternoon, when they decided to go crabbing. On the end of the long pier they found a convenient place to sit, and there were there some time throwing their lines overboard and netting the crabs before the accident happened.

A gust of wind blew Williamson’s hat into the water. The crabbers tried to reach it with their long-pole nets but failed. Walker volunteered to jump in after it. His friends tried in vain to dissuade him. Taking off his own hat, his shoes and coat, he plunged into the water and swam after the lost hat. He...

On January 28, 1902, the Carnegie Institution was founded in Washington, DC, thanks to a generous $10 million donation from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. This institution was established with the goal of promoting scientific research and discovery in the United States. Carnegie, known for his vast wealth amassed from steel manufacturing, believed in the power of knowledge and education to improve society, and he saw the Carnegie Institution as a way to contribute to the advancement of science.

The Carnegie Institution quickly became a leading center for scientific research, supporting projects in a wide range of fields, including astronomy, biology, and geophysics.

Washington, May 13.-Colonel Symons, in charge of public buildings and grounds, has reported to General Mackenzie, chief of engineers, that the Washington Monument was struck by lightning on the 27th ult., but was not greatly damaged.

The bolt entered at the top of the shaft, out the telephone there, passed down the iron framework in the elevator shaft to the lower floor, through the shaft alley to the motor room, where it burned out a relay coil on the switchboard, then passed along the electric cable to the engine room in the boiler house, where it entered the ground.

The boiler house is several hundred feet distant from the monument. Lightning arresters have now been placed in the motor room to protect the switchboard and machinery.

FLAMES OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN GUT AUDITORIUM AND STAGE, COMPLETELY DESTROYING OUTFIT OF "SECRETS OF POLICE" COMPANY, PLAYING WEEK'S ENGAGEMENT - FIREMEN HAVE NARROW ESCAPE.

One of the largest fires which Washington has known for years wrecked the entire auditorium and stage of the Academy of Music, Ninth and D Streets northwest, and threatened the destruction of the adjoining properties at an early hour yesterday morning, causing damage of a conservative estimate of which reaches $75,000.

When the fire was at its height a general alarm had been turned in. It became known that there were persons in the burning structure, and Sergt. Lohman and Policeman B. H. Johnson fought their way to the sleeping apartments occupied by Prof. LEON P. W. STIEHL, proprietor of the Spencerian Business College; MRS. LULU STIEHL, his wife, and Prof STIEHL'S father.

The sleepers were awakened and taken from the smoke-filled building unharmed.

The flames originated in the fly gallery above the stage,...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16. - The most violent earthquakes record ever made on the seismograph at the weather bureau started at 9:14 o'clock this morning. The vibrations of the needle were even greater that those caused by the San Francisco earthquake. Weather bureau officials are momennturily[sic] expecting news that somewhere in the world an unusually severe disturbance has occurred.

The following statement was given out at noon by Chief Willis L. Moore, of the Weather Bureau: "Just after the sheets of the seismograph were changed this morning a great earthquake was recorded. The motion of the needle was so great as to carry the recording lever far beyond the margin of the sheet. The disturbance, was evidently of considerable violence. The strong part of the motion began at 9:49 o'clock a. m., and subsided at about 9:25. Full details of the record cannot be made out, as the instruments have ceased recording."

PARIS, February 22. - The Americans in Paris observed the holiday with traditional enthusiasm and patriotism. In the afternoon the American ambassador, Henry White, opened his new residence with a brilliant reception to the American colony. This evening the American Club gave a dinner at the New Astoria Hotel. Col. Theodore A. Dodge, president of the club, presided.

The American ambassador being indisposed, . the American consul general, Frank H. Mason, spoke on behalf of the United States. He eulogized Washington and pointed out that it was 130 years ago this month that France first helped the United States, the anniversary being commemorated by the recent signing of commercial treaty between the two countries. Toasts were drunk to President Roosevelt and President Fallieres.

The American Art Association held a reception and dance tonight.

The Day in New York.
NEW YORK, February 22. - George Washington’s birthday was celebrated to day with parades, speeches and dinners ...

In 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was officially incorporated, marking the beginning of a significant movement in youth development and outdoor education. The organization was founded by W. D. Boyce, who was inspired by the Boy Scout movement in Britain. Boyce saw the potential for a similar organization in the United States that could help young boys develop skills, character, and a sense of community.

On June 21, 1910, 34 national representatives of various boys' work agencies gathered to establish the Boy Scouts of America. This meeting laid the foundation for the organization's structure, values, and programs. The Boy Scouts of America quickly gained popularity and grew into a prominent youth organization, providing boys with opportunities for adventure, learning, and service.

The Old Farmer's Almanac
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The year 1915 marked a significant moment in American history as the construction of the Lincoln Memorial began in Washington, D.C. On February 12, the first stone of this iconic monument was ceremoniously put into place, marking the start of a project that would pay tribute to one of America's most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial was designed by architect Henry Bacon, featuring a neoclassical design that would later become a symbol of democracy and freedom.

The Lincoln Memorial stands as a symbol of national unity and democracy, embodying the ideals and principles Lincoln stood for during his presidency, particularly his efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery. The memorial's location on the National Mall, facing the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol, underscores its significance in the fabric of American history and democracy.

January 27-28, 1922
The Knickerbocker Storm battered the upper South and middle Atlantic United States for two days, dumping a record-breaking 28 inches of snow on Washington, D.C. But by the evening of January 28, the storm was winding down, and several hundred people ventured out to catch a showing of the silent film “Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford” at the Knickerbocker Theatre, the capital’s largest and most modern movie house. During the intermission, the theater’s flat roof gave way under the weight of the wet snow, and concrete, bricks and metal rained down onto the audience. One of the deadliest in Washington’s history, the disaster claimed 98 lives and gave the storm its name.

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Washington, Feb. 8. - Fire which broke out on the roof of the United States Treasury building here late today threatened to reach the test room of the Prohibition Bureau, where explosive chemicals are stored.

The fire was still raging at 4 o'clock and firemen were making strenuous efforts to prevent its reaching the chemical store room.
Firemen, however, believed they would have the fire under control within a short time.

The fire, breaking out suddenly in the roof of the historic structure, apparently started by a gas blow torch of workmen engaged in building another roof on top of the building.

Hundreds of girl clerks rushed out in a panic. Some were scratched and bruised in their efforts to escape.

The treasury, whose vaults are packed with millions of dollars in currency and gold and silver bullion, is in the heart of the nation's capital and all the fire apparatus in the city was summoned to the scene.

On May 30, 1922, in Washington, D.C., a momentous event took place as the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial, designed by architect Henry Bacon, is a stunning tribute to Lincoln's legacy and his crucial role in American history, particularly for his leadership during the Civil War and his efforts in abolishing slavery.

The dedication ceremony was a grand affair, attended by thousands of people, including dignitaries, government officials, and citizens from all walks of life. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the memorial's centerpiece, a larger-than-life statue of Abraham Lincoln seated majestically in a contemplative pose. The memorial's construction and dedication underscored the profound impact Lincoln had on the nation and solidified his place as one of America's most revered presidents.

as many as 40,000 male and female members of the Klan march down Pennsylvania Avenue. In 1925, an estimated 5,000,000 members belong to the Ku Klux Klan, making it the largest fraternal organization in the United States.

Washington, Nov. 21. - (UP) - Five persons were dead, more than 30 were in hospitals and more than a score were suffering from less serious injuries tonight as a result of an explosion today in a J. G. McCrory five-and-ten cent store in the crowded downtown shopping district.
The blast tore up the pavement, hurling pedestrians in every direction. The sidewalk directly in front of the store collapsed, carrying with it to the basement several feet below many people passing at the time.
The dead were:
MRS. KITTY COLLINAN, 42.
MRS. ELIZABETH DAWSON, a government employe.
MARY COCKRELL, 2 years old.
MRS. ANNIE COCKRELL, mother of the dead child.
CHARLES JACOBSEN.
The store explosion was attributed to an overheated steam boiler. Its safety valve apparently failed to work.
A general alarm brought out the city's downtown fire companies, rescue squads, amublances from all hospitals, a detachment of soldiers from Walter Reed hospital and all available police reserves.

Front...

In 1935, on February 22, a significant event took place when airplanes were banned from flying over the White House. This decision was likely influenced by concerns about security and safety, as well as a desire to protect the privacy and dignity of the presidency. At that time, aviation was still a relatively new and rapidly evolving technology, and regulations were being implemented to manage its impact on society.

The ban on airplanes flying over the White House marked a milestone in the regulation of airspace in the United States. It highlighted the need for clear rules and boundaries in the sky, paving the way for the establishment of more comprehensive aviation regulations in the years to come.

On July 2, 1937, a significant event occurred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, just outside Washington, D.C. A guard took his position at the tomb, marking the beginning of a continuous and uninterrupted watch that has been maintained ever since. This tradition, known as the "Tomb Guard," symbolizes the nation's commitment to honoring and remembering the unidentified soldiers who gave their lives in service to the United States.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents all the unknown and missing service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a powerful symbol of respect and remembrance for those who died defending their country but whose remains were never identified. The dedication of the guard to stand watch, regardless of weather conditions or other challenges, reflects the nation's enduring gratitude and reverence for its fallen heroes.

September of that year was very dry across much of the nation, and Washington D.C. received more rain in that two hour period than most other places in the country that entire month.

On November 15, 1939, in Washington, D.C., President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of the Jefferson Memorial, a significant event that marked the beginning of the construction of this iconic monument. The memorial was dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

The Jefferson Memorial's design, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, was created by architect John Russell Pope. The memorial features a neoclassical style, reflecting Jefferson's admiration for classical architecture. It includes a bronze statue of Jefferson and excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, highlighting his contributions to American democracy and freedom.

The airlines draw straws to determine who would land at National Airport first and American Airlines wins the honor. The airplane is piloted by Bennett H. Griffin, who becomes the manager of National Airport in 1947.

On August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The speech is renowned for its powerful rhetoric and calls for an end to racism and for civil and economic rights. King spoke passionately about his dream of a future where all people would be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin, echoing the ideals of equality and justice for all.

The speech was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, galvanizing supporters and drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States. It is considered one of the most important speeches in American history and helped to spur the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. King's words continue to resonate today, inspiring people around the world to strive for a more just and inclusive society.

In 1964, Washington, D.C., residents experienced a significant milestone in their political history as they were finally granted the right to vote in a Presidential election. This marked a crucial moment in the city's ongoing struggle for political representation, as its residents had long been disenfranchised despite living in the nation's capital. The change came about through the 23rd Amendment to the United States Constitution, which was ratified in 1961 and granted the District of Columbia electors in the Electoral College, thus allowing its residents to participate in the election of the President and Vice President for the first time in the nation's history.

June 21
As Agnes, downgraded to a tropical storm, approaches the Chesapeake Bay, a weak cold front ahead of it dumps one to three inches of rain on the region, on top of an already unusually wet winter and spring. The storm moves into the Washington area, killing 16, flooding thousands of homes, knocking out pumping stations and leaving much of Fairfax County without drinking water. (Limited service was restored after 35 hours, full service after eight days.) About 16 inches of rain falls across the region in one day.

In 1974, the United States faced one of its most significant political crises when President Richard Nixon resigned from office. The resignation was the culmination of the Watergate scandal, which began in 1972 when five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that the break-in was part of a broader campaign of political espionage and sabotage undertaken by Nixon's reelection committee.

The scandal escalated when it was discovered that Nixon had attempted to cover up the involvement of his administration in the break-in and other illegal activities. The discovery of secret tape recordings made by Nixon in the Oval Office became a focal point of the investigation, as they provided crucial evidence of his complicity. Faced with almost certain impeachment by the House of Representatives and the likelihood of conviction in a Senate trial, Nixon...

The National Mall: This iconic stretch of green space is home to many of D.C.'s most famous monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. It's a must-visit for anyone coming to the city.

The Smithsonian Museums: D.C. is home to some of the world's most renowned museums, and many of them are part of the Smithsonian Institution. Some highlights include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Best of all, most of them are free to enter.

The U.S. Capitol: Take a tour of the U.S. Capitol building, where you can learn about the history and workings of the American government. Be sure to book your tour in advance.

The White House: While you can't go inside without an invitation, you can still get up close to the iconic home of the U.S. President by visiting the exterior. Don't forget to snap a photo!

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