A Review of Historic Photos of Washington, DC, Part II

I've finished the second section of the book. This section covers from 1880-1920. In this section we see Washington beginning to take the shape of the city that we know today. This is due in part to the large building campaign that occurred during this time.

One of the major buildings shown is the State, War and Navy building now the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. What' great about this picture is grounds that are shown around the building which have long since disappeared.

There's also a picture of one of my favorite mansions in the city. It was located in Pacific Circle now DuPont Circle. It was built in the 1890s. It is now home to the Church of Scientology.

This section gives a great feel for life beyond the monuments and famous public buildings. It delves into everyday life. There are several photos that show the buisnesses that were present in the city at this time. Also the activities the people participated in. There's a photo showing an Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Also on the grounds of the White House a picture of President Harrison's son and his children. There's also a great picture of William McKinley being sworn in as president as Grover Cleveland looks on.

I have two favorites in this section. One shows Pennsylvania Avenue looking toward the White House from about 10th Street or so (that's my guess), It shows the Avenue taking shape and being familiar to what we know today; yet at the same time shows how much has changed. The left side of the picture shows a large park which today is taken up by buildings. My other favorite shot is of Union Station. This picture is from around 1910. It's before the finishing touches have been made to the station. No statues and no Columbus Fountain. There's also a street car in the picture. It is just great.

The pictures are worth a thousand words but the words describing the pictures add context. As I've said before the captions help place what the picture is and where it is (figuring that out is getting a little easier) and what changes took place in that spot after the picture was taken.

Once again this is just an incredible book showing the history of DC.

A Review of Historic Photos of Washington, DC, Part I

First and foremost, what an amazing book. Let me say that again what an amazingly incredible book!

The book is divided into four section list sections. I’ve only been able to get through the first section so far because I keep going back over the photos. My reactions to the pictures so far have been oh wow look at that, I didn’t know that, I can’t believe that’s what was there, I think that building is still around.

The book is divided into four sections. As I’ve said so far I’ve only been able to get through the first section that’s from 1860-1879. The second section is 1880-1920. The third is 1921-1949. The final is 1950 to 1970.

I’ve learned some very interesting things about DC from this book. The Old Capitol Prison is now where the Supreme Court is; there is some sort poetic justice in that. During the Civil War the city was ringed with forts one of them Ft. Reno. The reason we have Reno Road. Also there were camps one in Tennallytown more commonly know now as Tenleytown.

One of the great strengths of the book is the description of the pictures. They tell what the picture is, when it was taken and what stands there today. Of especial interest is the picture of the Aqueduct Bridge which crosses the Potomac in Georgetown or George Town as it was called for many years. Eventually the Aqueduct Bridge would be replaced with Key Bridge. You look across into Virginia and there are very few buildings as compared with today. Another picture in Georgetown shows the canals. Neither of the canals were a success and they and the harbor filled in.

This is just a few examples of the many interesting pictures that are in the book. I think it is absolutely fascinating and I’m looking forward to viewing the rest of the book and posting about it.

If you are looking for a great book of pictures that gives you a real feel of what Washington, DC has been like over the years then this is the book for you. It is just first rate.