Tag Archives: DC

A new Civil War gem in Washington D.C.

Posted on April 23, 2016 by Tim

I finally managed to visit a new historic site in Washington D.C, one I’ve walked by hundreds of times. It only became “official” in July 2015 when it opened to the public. But the narrow brick rowhouse has been standing … Continue reading →

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History near the blossoms

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Tim

  Here’s an excerpt from my new book “A Grizzly in the Mail and Other Adventures in American History.” One evening a few days ago I left work, turned into the setting sun, and walked west toward the Jefferson Memorial. … Continue reading →

Posted in 20th century, national park, President, transportation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Christmas flowers at America’s garden

Posted on December 21, 2013 by Tim

      I’m repeating a favorite post from last Christmas. Enjoy. Happy holidays to all.   One of my favorite places in Washington, D.C., especially at Christmas, is the United States Botanic Garden, one of the oldest botanic gardens … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, 20th century, art and culture, garden | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

President Lincoln’s cottage

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Tim

I sometimes think that every major historic site has been identified and there cannot possibly be any that have been overlooked. I’m wrong, of course. I recently visited a President Lincoln site that has only been open to the public … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, cemetery/grave, Civil War, house, President | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Happy Birthday to the Smithsonian

Posted on August 10, 2013 by Tim

Since today is the Smithsonian’s 167th birthday, here’s an adaptation of a previous post I wrote about the Smithsonian Castle in Washington. The Smithsonian exists because of the generous and somewhat odd gift of a British scientist, James Smithson, who … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, 20th century, art and culture | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The historic house that disappeared

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Tim

Interesting story from Washington Post columnist John Kelly. The National Park Service lost track of Francis Scott Key’s Georgetown house. It’s a history mystery. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/oh-say-can-you-see-the-missing-key-house/2013/06/21/6e44537c-d79e-11e2-a9f2-42ee3912ae0e_story.html Related posts: British invasion at North Point Mary, not Betsy

Posted in 19th century, 20th century, house, national park | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

America’s Garden

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Tim

  One of my favorite places in Washington, D.C., especially at Christmas, is the United States Botanic Garden, one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The core of the expansive glass Conservatory building was constructed in 1933 when … Continue reading →

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A historic fountain in Washington

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Tim

I was walking back to my car on a dark rainy night when a beacon of light drew me in, yes, like a moth to a flame. The area wasn’t very well lit, though it was at the foot of … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, art and culture | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

History and politics in Washington

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Tim

Living in Washington, D.C., I can’t walk two feet without encountering historic ground. (I exaggerate only slightly) Despite my work in the history field, and contrary to what some people might believe, I don’t think of history every moment. I … Continue reading →

Posted in 20th century | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The President is shot!

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Tim

April 14, 1865. After four bloody years the Civil War is all but over. President and Mrs. Lincoln ride to Ford’s Theatre, arriving about twenty minutes after the show has started. While they try to sneak in, it is impossible. The … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, art and culture, Civil War, house, national park, President | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments