reCities: Historic Washington, D.C.

Apologies for the long break. I took some time off to focus on other projects, but hopefully I'll find the time for at least a few posts. So at long last another Case Study, as always starting with a historical photos post. Though not as young as San Francisco, Washington, DC is relatively young by East Coast standards, having been founded in 1791. However, the existing port of Georgetown, founded in 1751, was included within the borders. In 1800, Congress had its first session.

You will notice the very different character of Washington, DC, when compared to other East Coast cities, owing to its later founding and the ceremonial plan by Pierre L'Enfant. There is none of the charm of, say, Boston's Beacon Hill. Washington is altogether more utilitarian, with wide roads and a focus on views and vistas rather than the street level. Regardless, it was undoubtedly a more attractive city than it is today, especially in the downtown core, which today is a bland assortment of nondescript office buildings.

It was more difficult than usual to collect this selection of photos. While the Library of Congress has a comprehensive assortment, usually a city's public library has more general street views and architecture photos, but unfortunately the DC Public Library's Washingtoniana collection does not have an online presence, nor does it have a good Flickr account. In general the photos here are not as impressive, I believe, as previous posts about Boston and Baltimore, but still give a good overview about DC's past.

If anyone from the DC Public Library reads this, please consider sharing your photo collection with the nation. I can only imagine what treasures it holds. Unless otherwise noted, images courtesy Library of Congress.