I recently wrote about the Wheeler Ferry and its importance in getting people across the Anacostia in the days before the federal government moved to Washington. I also mentioned the bridge that replaced it, but not its eventual demise – or the role it played during the burning of Washington 200 years ago.
I have previously written about the bridges that cross the Anacostia River, but long before these were built, there were other ways of crossing the river. Today we will look at one method that had considerable importance in the early years of the District of Columbia.
Sharp-eyed readers may have noticed a building in the background of last week’s column. No, not the Capitol: The building marked “McDowell & Sons Steam Elevator Grain and Linseed Meal.” Yes, there used to be a feed warehouse a few blocks from the Capitol. Today, we’ll look at the story of this unlikely business.Samuel C. […]
Next year marks the 200th anniversary when Washington burned in the War of 1812. It also marks the 150th anniversary when Confederate forces attacked Fort Stevens, a Civil War outpost located near Missouri and Georgia Avenue, NW. I will return to these two important moments in history many times in the next months and year, but first I want […]
Hey folks, what do you have planned for this weekend? Here’s some ideas… Tonight check out the Atlas’ monthly happy hour series they’re calling Atlas After Dark. From 6-9 pm the Atlas cafe will run drink specials and there is music by Nistha Raj, a talented local musician who plays the 5 string violin in […]