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
Last week, we looked at the origins of the name given to the Civil War hospital a mile east of the Capitol, and found that, contrary to legend, it was not named by the soldiers recuperating there. Today, we will try to find the origin of the legend – as well as another, similar, story.
Readers of my book Urban Legends and Historic Lore of Washington D.C. will recognize the format of the following piece: Starting with a tale as printed (or told) elsewhere, I then go on and explain the real story behind the story as told. The chief difference this time is that I am also the source […]
Last week, I wrote about the first free school opened to freed slaves in the District of Columbia, and Hamilton Wilcox Pierson, who ran it. Today, we will look at another man whose life rivals Pierson’s in breadth, and the school he opened.
As a DCPS parent, I am always intrigued by the history of the schools in DC, and Capitol Hill particularly. The fight for free, universal, and quality education is one that goes back almost to the founding of the city. Today, we will look at one of the shorter-lived schools on the Hill – but […]
Today is Presidents’s Day, and thus a Federal Holiday. This means that most government institutions are closed. For the librarians at the Library of Congress, this is not an excuse not to work, but rather an opportunity to show everyone what it is that they do. Thus, the main reading room of the Library of […]