Robert Pohl worked for many years as a computer programmer but recovered from that and became a full time stay-at-home dad. With his son now in school, he has expanded his horizons and become a self-taught historian. He has written books about his house as well as Emancipation in the District of Columbia. You can reach Robert at Robert[at]thehillishome.com
The recent uptick in crime in our neighborhood has everyone from Chief Lanier on down concerned; but as someone who likes to take the long view, I want to… well, take the long view on this. And point out that it’s been going on for a long, long time. Rezin Nathaniel Pumphrey was just another […]
Another week, another famous ship being built at the Washington Navy Yard. This one is best known for its very first voyage, when it carried a famous Revolutionary War hero back to his home in France. The 1820s were a quiet time for the armed forces of the United States, and especially its Navy. Nonetheless, […]
In February of 1857, excitement at the impending inauguration of James Buchanan raced through Washington D.C., including at the Navy Yard. Determined to impress everyone who came to cheer the new President, they went all-out in building two floats for the parade that would go – as was the custom in those years – from […]
As it happens so often, the third time was the charm. The third iteration of the USS Water Witch had the success that eluded the previous two boats that shared its name – and some of the machinery. A few months after the Tesuque Pueblos had watched the hulk of the previous Water Witch being battered, […]
Last week, I wrote about the visit of President Fillmore to the Navy Yard, and how he had the opportunity to watch the hull of the ill-fated Water Witch be battered by cannon fire. Continuing my research on this poor vessel, I discovered that such a spectacle was hardly reserved just for Presidential visits, but […]