125th Anniversary of the DC Public Library
This exhibit gives a brief snapshot of life in the District around 1896, using images from The People’s Archive at DC Public Library.
Center Market by People's ArchiveDC Public Library
The Center Market
7th and Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. In 1896, markets were the main source of groceries for city residents. With over 500 vendors, covering two city blocks, the Center Market was not only the largest market in the city but one of the largest in the country.
Public Transportation by People's ArchiveDC Public Library
Public Transportation
D.C.'s earliest trollies were pulled along the tracks by horses. From the late 1880s until a power plant fire in 1897, D.C. used cable cars powered by steam power. After the fire, the cable car system was replaced with an electric street car system.
Franklin SquareDC Public Library
Franklin Square Park
This undated photo of Franklin Square shows the park around the turn of the century. The Franklin School, still standing today, can be seen in the background on the right. The park, located at 13th and K St, N.W., has just undergone a major renovation.
A view of Capitol Hill from the Washington MonumentDC Public Library
Capitol Hill from the Washington Monument
This view shows the many commercial buildings and a train station that once stood on the National Mall. In 1902 the McMillan Plan was created to remove all but the Federal buildings and to create the open, green National Mall that exists today.
Hay Adams Houses by People's Archive at DC Public LibraryDC Public Library
The Hay-Adams Houses
Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, the Hay and Adams houses were combined in design to dominate the corner of 16th and H Sts, N.W. They were razed in 1927 by Harry Wardman to make room for the Hay Adams Hotel.
Mt. Vernon Park
Mount Vernon Park, located at 8th and K Sts, N.W., before the construction of the new DC Public Library building. The fountain stood where the Carnegie Library building is now located.
Northern Liberty Market - Convention Hall by People's Archive at DC Public LibraryDC Public Library
Northern Liberty Market and Convention Center
Located at 5th and K Sts, N.W. the market was designed by James Hill and opened in 1875. Later a second floor was added to the interior and the upper floor became known as the convention center.
Market Shoppers by People's Archive at DC Public LibraryDC Public Library
Market Shoppers
View of shoppers at Center Market, on a sidewalk along B St, N.W. (later renamed Constitution Avenue). Vendors' carts are laden with fowl, eggs, and produce. The market stood where the National Archives is now located.
Watermelons by People's Archive at DC Public LibraryDC Public Library
The Southwest Wharves
Produce, poultry, beef, pork, and seafood from the Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, and Virginia's Northern Neck was often delivered by water to the District's Wharf in southwest and sold at the city's municipal markets.
The Washington Post Building
From 1893 - 1950 the Washington Post Building was located at 1337 E St, N.W. The Post moved to L St, N.W. in 1950 and the building was razed in 1954.
Willard Hotel by People's Archive at DC Public LibraryDC Public Library
The Willard Hotel
In 1901 this series of connected rowhouses, which had housed the Willard Hotel since 1818, were razed and the 'New Willard', which still stands at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., was built.
Truxton Circle by People's Archive at DC Public LibraryDC Public Library
Truxton Circle
Truxton Circle was located between the older downtown and the new developments of Eckington and Bloomingdale at the intersection of North Capitol St and Florida Ave. The circle was removed in the 1940s to expedite commuter traffic.
View from Monument over Hains Point by People's Archive at DC Public LibraryDC Public Library
View from the Monument over Hains Point
This view of D.C., taken from the monument, shows an undeveloped Hains Point and the piers that once lined the river in southwest. The building on the lower left is still standing, at the corner of 14th St and Independence Ave, S.W.
Produced by Nicholas Petr and Monica Miller with the assistance of the staff of the People's Archive at DC Public Library.
This exhibit is part of the DC Public Library’s Art and Exhibits Program, a program highlighting the history and culture of the District of Columbia through exhibits displayed in the Library and online. For more information on the program and individual exhibits, please visit dclibrary.org/exhibits.
DC Public Library is grateful to the DC Public Library Foundation for making this exhibit, and other activities of the Art & Exhibit Program, possible.
