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Collection · 244 photographs

Streetcars, motor cars and wagons

How Washington moved between the horse and the automobile, from conduit streetcars to traffic policemen and the first airmail.

In 1910 most of what moved on Washington’s streets was pulled by horses or ran on rails. The city’s streetcars were unusual: in the old city, Congress would not allow overhead wires, so the cars drew their power from a slot in the roadway, an underground “conduit” system, and switched to overhead trolley poles only out in the suburbs.

By the mid-1920s the motor car had taken over. The photographs here show the change happening: delivery wagons parked beside new trucks, traffic policemen on the avenues, the first traffic signals and painted street markings, parking problems that would sound familiar today, and accidents that made the newspapers.

A tall ornate hotel with a mansard roof on a street corner, carriages in front
c. 1904 The Willard Hotel around 1904, with carriages waiting on the street below and telegraph poles in the foreground. Pennsylvania AvenueDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-33469 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Elevated view of a broad avenue with streetcars and carriages and tall hotels beyond
c. 1900–10 Pennsylvania Avenue looking west from Eleventh Street in the 1900s, with streetcars and carriages passing tall hotel and office buildings. Pennsylvania AvenueDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-39978 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A broad avenue seen over railings, a tall hotel at left and a clock tower beyond
c. 1900–10 Pennsylvania Avenue runs east past a tall hotel toward the Old Post Office tower, with carriages and streetcars in the roadway. Pennsylvania AvenueDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-33132 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A tall Beaux-Arts hotel with a mansard roof on a busy corner
c. 1900–10 The new Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, 1900s. Pennsylvania AvenueDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-71073 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A tall ornate corner hotel with carriages in the street
c. 1900–10 The Raleigh Hotel at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, 1900s. Pennsylvania AvenueDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-71099 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long colonnaded building beside a street with streetcars
1906 The Treasury Building about 1906, with streetcars on 15th Street. The TreasuryDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-19147 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A steam locomotive on curving tracks beside a long platform canopy
c. 1906–10 A steam locomotive comes in under the platform sheds through the fan of tracks in the Union Station switch yards. Union StationDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-15616 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Elevated view of a broad avenue with streetcars, a clock tower in the distance
1908 Pennsylvania Avenue seen from the Treasury around 1908, streetcars and carriages heading toward the Old Post Office tower and the Capitol. Pennsylvania AvenueDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-71077 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A horse-drawn carriage with riders in a snowy street, sepia print
1909 Taft and Theodore Roosevelt drive to the Capitol through the snow on March 4, 1909. Pennsylvania Avenue place probableBain News Service, Library of Congress · PRES FILE - Taft, William H.--Inauguration, 1909 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Horse carriages, riders and men in top hats on a snow-covered street
1909 Carriages and mounted police make their way through the deep snow on Taft's inauguration day, 1909. Pennsylvania Avenue place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12285 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Streetcar tracks leading along a wide road to a long station building
c. 1910 Looking down the streetcar tracks of Delaware Avenue toward Union Station, about 1910. Union StationNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-1-T [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wide unpaved street with telegraph poles, wires, small shops and a church steeple
c. 1900–20 Nichols Avenue, Anacostia's main street, with trolley wires overhead, a church steeple and shops along the sidewalk. Anacostia and the riverNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · U.S. GEOG FILE - Washington, D.C.--Streets [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Carriages and a motor car on a curving park road lined with young trees
c. 1905–15 Horse-drawn carriages and an early motor car share the curving Boulevard through Potomac Park. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-39999 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small steamer carrying large guns on the open river
c. 1900–20 A steam vessel loaded with heavy guns crosses the Potomac, bound for the testing grounds. The Potomac waterfrontDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-500512 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An early biplane in the air above the White House grounds
July 14, 1911 Harry Atwood's Wright biplane rises from the White House lawn, July 1911. The White House and Lafayette SquareDate checked: The Library gives July 1911; Atwood landed on and took off from the White House lawn on July 14, 1911.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 437 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Early motor cars and spectators behind a white rail, the Washington Monument in the distance
c. 1909–14 Open motor cars and onlookers line the rail at the opening of the Speedway, the Washington Monument beyond. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 810 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A large early motor car with a chauffeur, a man in top hat and riding boots beside it
c. 1909–14 A uniformed chauffeur sits at the wheel of a large touring car at a concert in Potomac Park, a footman in top hat beside it. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 1296 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A curved underground passage with an overhead rail
1912 The new monorail subway between the Capitol and the Senate Office Building, 1912. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 1768 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An early box-bodied motor delivery van with a driver and a man in uniform carrying parcels
1912 A Woodward and Lothrop motor delivery van with its driver and a uniformed deliveryman, 1912. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 1988 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A row of early motor delivery vans parked along a city street beside a big store
1912 A long line of Woodward & Lothrop delivery vans parked at the kerb along the department store's flank in 1912. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 2009-A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A line of open motor cars with women and cloth banners on a tree-lined street
1913 Motor cars decked with banners, the first marked "Officers", line up for a 1913 woman suffrage motor parade to the Capitol. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 822 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A black horse-drawn closed carriage with a coachman outside a columned doorway
1913 Treasury Secretary McAdoo's closed carriage and coachman wait at a marble doorway in 1913. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3186 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A tiny biplane in the sky beside the Capitol dome
1913 The stunt flyer Lincoln Beachey's Curtiss biplane over the Capitol, 1913. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 4407-A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A policeman beside a signal on a street with cars and a large building
1913 A policeman with a hand-turned \"stop and go\" sign directs motor cars and wagons at a downtown corner, 1913. Downtown and F Street place uncertainHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 2000139 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A row of early motor taxis beneath a vaulted stone arch
1914 Federal Taxicab Company cabs wait under the great arch of Union Station's carriage porch, 1914. Union StationHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3758 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Early motor taxicabs parked beside a long stone building
1914 A rank of Federal taxicabs along the side of Union Station, 1914. Union StationHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3759 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A corner commercial building with signs and a wagon in front
March 29, 1914 A store and office building at 9th and G Streets, March 29, 1914, with a horse-drawn wagon at the kerb. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 44062 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An open car completely covered in flowers in a street
May 1914 A motor car smothered in flowers in the suffrage parade of May 1914. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3882 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A horse-drawn wagon with a big lettered banner on a street
May 1914 A wagon carrying a large suffrage banner in the parade of May 1914. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3898 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A downtown street corner with a streetcar, cars and people crossing, shops behind
c. 1909–20 Pedestrians cross the streetcar tracks at 11th and F Streets, shops and awnings lining the block. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12357-7 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Streetcar tracks in the foreground, a river and a hilltop college with spires beyond
c. 1909–20 Georgetown College and the Aqueduct Bridge seen across the Potomac from the Virginia shore, with streetcar tracks curving in the foreground. GeorgetownNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 3974 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A downtown street lined with canvas-covered trucks and people on the pavement
c. 1909–20 Canvas-covered trucks line F Street in wartime, with crowds on the sidewalks and shop signs overhead. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 4193A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An overturned streetcar on its side surrounded by onlookers
c. 1909–20 Crowds gather round an overturned streetcar after a wreck in Eckington. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 4904 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Workers loading snow into a cart on a city street
c. 1909–20 Men shovel snow into a horse-drawn wagon after a snowstorm downtown. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12355-9 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A street of brick shopfronts with a streetcar and horse-drawn wagons
c. 1909–20 The north side of F Street between 6th and 7th Streets, with a streetcar, horse wagons and a row of older shopfronts. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12357-7 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A narrow canal with a moored boat, a stone footbridge and brick buildings
c. 1910–20 The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal at 31st Street in Georgetown, with a canal boat moored under the arched bridge and a mill chimney behind. GeorgetownDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-72863 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man leading a mule along a canal towpath toward a stone arched bridge
c. 1910–20 A mule and driver walk the towpath of the C&O Canal toward a stone arch bridge, canal boats moored beyond. GeorgetownDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-73253 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A park road beside water with carriages, the Washington Monument beyond
c. 1910–20 Carriages roll along the Boulevard in Potomac Park beside the water, the Washington Monument and Old Post Office tower in the distance. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkDetroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-72215 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A row of shops and a theatre front on a city street with parked 1910s cars
c. 1910–20 Hahn's shoe store and the Empress theatre among the shopfronts on Ninth Street NW, motor cars at the kerb. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 8546 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An early open motor truck lettered with a company name before a garage marked Repairing
c. 1910–20 A C. M. Woolf & Co. truck for agricultural implements and seeds stands outside a repair garage. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 10054 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man standing by a coupe in the snow with the Lincoln Memorial behind
c. 1910–20 Herbert E. French, owner of the National Photo Company, beside his motor car near the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln MemorialNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 10066 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A large white office block on a corner with parked cars
c. 1910–20 A new office building at 15th and K Streets NW, 1910s. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 10123 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Wagons pulled by horses along a snowy street of houses
c. 1910–20 A line of horse-drawn wagons on a snow-covered residential street. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 10193 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A packed street corner with streetcars, cars and a crowd under bunting
c. 1913–17 Crowds, motor cars and streetcars at Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street in the 1910s. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 2212-B [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long colonnaded station front beside a street with a streetcar
c. 1913–17 The front of Union Station along Massachusetts Avenue, with a streetcar and a few motor cars, 1910s. Union StationHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3534 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A Romanesque stone building with a tall clock tower, cars parked along the street
c. 1910–20 The Post Office building's great clock tower rises over Pennsylvania Avenue, with motor cars parked along the kerb. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 204 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A narrow ornate high-rise on a street corner, people crossing the road
c. 1910–20 A tall office building rises on the corner of 15th and G Streets, shops and pedestrians at its foot. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 834 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A large hotel with construction scaffolding on its roof beside another grand hotel, streetcars passing
c. 1910–20 The new Washington Hotel rising in its scaffolding beside the Willard, with streetcars and pedestrians on the avenue below, late 1910s. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 2127 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
View from a rooftop over a broad plaza with flagpoles, a fountain and parked cars
c. 1910–20 Motor cars and a streetcar circle the Union Station plaza around the Columbus Memorial and its flagpoles. Union StationHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 2671 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a large classical building with porticos, a streetcar on the street beside it
c. 1910–20 The Patent Office seen from above, with a streetcar and pedestrians on the street below. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 3044 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A massive ornate building beyond a wide street with blurred pedestrians and cars
c. 1910–20 The State, War and Navy Building across a busy street corner, pedestrians, carriages and motor cars blurred in motion, late 1910s. State, War and Navy BuildingHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 3049 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A downtown street of shopfronts and big painted signs with a cart and a bicycle
1915 Shops and signs crowd Ninth Street NW in 1915, with a pushcart, a cyclist and streetcar tracks in the roadway. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 4285 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A covered horse-drawn wagon in a parade
1915 A horse-drawn army ambulance in the Grand Army parade, 1915. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 5624 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Cars parked in a row beside the station's arcade
c. 1911–20 Motor cars and taxis lined up at Union Station, 1910s. Union StationHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3279-B [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of streetcars, cars and pedestrians on a wet street by a theatre canopy
c. 1913–18 Streetcars and motor cars crowd 14th Street outside B.F. Keith's Theatre on a wet day, an American flag hanging overhead. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 11096 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A snowy avenue with streetcars and a car, the Capitol dome in the distance
c. 1913–18 Streetcars, a motor car and pedestrians on snowy Pennsylvania Avenue, with the Capitol dome at the end of the street. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 12051 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
People walking on a snowy sidewalk beside a busy street with cars and a wagon
c. 1913–18 Pedestrians pick their way along a slushy downtown sidewalk after a snowfall, with motor cars and wagons in the street, sometime between 1913 and 1918. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 12046 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
People in overcoats crossing a street past a columned bank and a streetcar
c. 1913–18 Pedestrians cross G Street on a winter day beside Riggs National Bank, a streetcar waiting behind them. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 12053 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Crowds under a striped awning at the corner of a big department store, cars in the street
c. 1913–18 Shoppers crowd the awninged corner of Woodward & Lothrop's department store at 11th and F Streets on a wet day. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 12060 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A busy wet sidewalk of people in winter coats beside tall hotels and a theatre sign
c. 1913–18 A crowded sidewalk near Keith's Theater, with snow piled at the kerb and streetcars and wagons in the street. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 12063-A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Cars and a streetcar along a street beside a long columned building, an obelisk beyond
c. 1913–18 Motor cars and a streetcar line the street beside the long colonnade of the Treasury, with the Washington Monument in the distance. The Treasury place probableHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24031 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A horse-drawn omnibus decorated with flags and a large pageant sign by a tree
c. 1915–16 A horse-drawn car hung with flags and placards advertises the suffragists' Susan B. Anthony Pageant at Convention Hall, around 1915. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6125 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men boarding an open-platform streetcar numbered 333 on a sunny street
c. 1909–23 Passengers in caps and boaters climb aboard streetcar No. 333, its wire-mesh fender at the front. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 44210 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A steel truss bridge beside a rocky embankment, the Washington Monument far off
c. 1909–23 The Highway Bridge crosses the Potomac on a stone causeway, the Washington Monument faint across the water. The Potomac waterfrontNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 56 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A view down a broad avenue with streetcars, a clock tower and the Capitol dome far off
c. 1909–23 Pennsylvania Avenue from the Treasury, with streetcars and carriages heading east toward the Old Post Office tower and the Capitol. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 170 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Horsemen and open cars among a crowd in front of the Capitol and its dome
c. 1914–18 Mounted police and motor cars move through a cheering crowd on the Capitol plaza during a rally. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 8541-B [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A car carrying a long model cannon with flags
1916 A big-gun float made from a motor car in the Preparedness Parade, 1916. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 5430 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Women in hats crowded into an open company truck marked Bell Telephone, men standing by
1916 Telephone operators in winter hats are carried to work in a Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co. truck during the 1916 strike. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6055-A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men in hats seated on an open monorail car hanging from an overhead track
1916 Passengers ride the monorail subway car between the Capitol and the Senate, 1916. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6330 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A racing car with two people on a dirt track
1916 A Stutz Weightman racing car on the Benning race track, 1916. Anacostia and the river place uncertainNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12344-7 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wrecked early motor car tipped against a tree on a sidewalk, men looking on
February 4, 1916 Onlookers inspect a motor car smashed against a tree at 14th and T Streets, February 4, 1916. U Street and Shaw place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 348 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long avenue receding toward the Capitol with a clock tower and signs
c. 1916–17 Pennsylvania Avenue from 15th Street toward the Capitol, with the Old Post Office tower on the right. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 1669 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A dark avenue at night with glowing streetlamps reflecting on the wet pavement
c. 1916–17 Street lamps glow and streak across the wet surface of Pennsylvania Avenue at night, around 1916. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 2150 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a busy street corner with streetcars and crowds beside a colonnaded building
1917 Streetcars, motor cars and crowds fill the corner of 15th and G Streets beside the Treasury, seen from above in 1917. The TreasuryNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12350-5 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crumpled early open motor car on a city sidewalk beside a lamp post
c. 1917 A wrecked open touring car with its hood torn up stands on the pavement of Massachusetts Avenue, around 1917. Dupont Circle and the avenuesNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 10295 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A motor ambulance and men on a street before a columned building
c. 1916–18 A Red Cross motor ambulance outside the State Department, about 1917. State, War and Navy BuildingHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 8697 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A stone mill building beside a road with an early car, bare woods behind
1917 Pierce Mill in Rock Creek Park, 1917, with a touring car passing on the road beside it. Rock Creek Park and the ZooHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 7019 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Horse-drawn carriages and a caisson crossing a long river bridge, a university on the hill behind
1917 The funeral procession of Captain Charles T. Boyd of the 10th Cavalry crosses the Georgetown bridge over the Potomac, Georgetown University on the heights beyond. GeorgetownHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 7609 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Long gun barrels on flat cars in a rail yard with a crane tower
1917 Finished 14-inch guns on railway cars, ready to go to the proving ground, 1917. The Navy YardHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 9954 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Riders on horseback and cars on a wet avenue, a horse-drawn van in front
1917 Mounted riders and motor cars pass Childs Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1917, a horse-drawn delivery van in the foreground. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 10034 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A smoking train passing freight cars in a rail yard, the Capitol dome in the distance
1917 A steam train pulls past rows of boxcars in the railroad yards of Southeast, the Capitol dome rising beyond, 1917. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 10040 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A biplane parked on a grass field
1917 An Avro training biplane on the polo grounds for the Allied aircraft demonstration, 1917. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 23003 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Mechanics working on biplanes beside a hangar
1917 Allied aircraft being readied at the polo grounds for a demonstration, 1917. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24734 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Uniformed women standing beside parked touring cars outside wooden army barracks
1917 Women of the Red Cross Motor Corps in uniform beside their cars at Camp Meigs, 1917. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24890 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A low garage with a Red Cross sign and ambulances parked in front
1917 The Red Cross emergency ambulance station on 16th Street, 1917, with its ambulances in the garage doors. Dupont Circle and the avenues place uncertainHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29528 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Fire hoses looped high in the air over a streetcar, firemen and onlookers around
c. 1909–25 Firemen raise their hoses into an arch so a streetcar can pass beneath them. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12355-3 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A motor car driving between a line of mounted troops and a crowd under trees
May 23, 1917 Cavalry and crowds line a tree-shaded street as the Italian Commission's motor car passes on its arrival, May 23, 1917. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 8774 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Small motor ploughs pushing snow beside a stone building
c. 1910–25 Ford snow ploughs clear a street beside a government building after a snowfall. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 532 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Many railway tracks leading to signal gantries, a smoking locomotive at left
c. 1910–25 A steam locomotive puffs out of the haze under the signal gantries of the Union Station rail yards. Union StationNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 648 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Pedestrians crossing streetcar tracks on a wide avenue, a clock tower in the distance
c. 1916–19 A streetcar runs between crowded loading platforms on Pennsylvania Avenue, with the Old Post Office tower rising on the left. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29872 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A boxy delivery truck with lettered sides
c. 1918 A Reid Ice Cream Company delivery truck, about 1918. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12350-2 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long market building with a RIGGS MARKET sign, wagons and umbrellas in front
c. 1910–26 Wagons and umbrella-shaded stalls line the front of Riggs Market. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 1172 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crowd around a tank in front of the Treasury's columns
1918 A British-built tank draws a crowd at the Treasury for the Liberty Loan drive, 1918. The TreasuryHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24276 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A tank and soldiers in front of a white office building
1918 The Liberty Loan tank and its crowd outside the White House offices, 1918. The White House and Lafayette SquareHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24281 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An aviator in flying gear standing on a field
1918 Lieutenant George Boyle, pilot on the first day of scheduled airmail service, May 15, 1918. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24644 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A soldier on a round platform pointing with his arm, the columned Treasury behind
1918 A soldier stands on a traffic platform beside the Treasury in 1918, signalling to traffic beneath a sign for right-hand turns. The TreasuryHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29653 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A spherical balloon with a basket rising above a crowd and trees
1918 A gas balloon ascends over the polo grounds in a 1918 demonstration, watched by a crowd at the edge of the field. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29743 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long plain office building beside a road with parked cars
1918 The new Navy Department building on B Street at 17th, 1918, with motor cars along the kerb. The MallHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29768 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A congested street full of streetcars, cars and pedestrians seen from above
1918 Streetcars, motor cars and crowds jam a downtown street, 1918. Pennsylvania Avenue place uncertainHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29780 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Crowds and cars in front of the Capitol's east front
1918 Visitors and motor cars on the Capitol plaza, 1918. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29794 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a busy intersection with streetcars, cars and pedestrians beside a colonnaded building
February 28, 1918 Streetcars, motor cars and crowds of pedestrians at 15th Street and New York Avenue beside the Treasury, February 28, 1918. The TreasuryNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 4101 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men and women in hats standing beside a biplane on a grassy field
May 1918 Onlookers gather round a Curtiss biplane on the Potomac Park polo field as scheduled air mail service begins in May 1918. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24633 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men in uniform lifting a sack into the cockpit of a biplane as a crowd watches
May 1918 Soldiers hoist mail sacks into a Curtiss biplane on the polo field for the first scheduled air mail flight, May 1918. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24640 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Two biplanes parked on a grass field beside a hangar tent
May 15, 1918 Curtiss biplanes at the polo field in Potomac Park for the start of the first scheduled airmail service, May 1918. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkDate checked: The Library gives May 1918; the first scheduled airmail left the Potomac Park polo field on May 15, 1918.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 24652 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man waving his hat from an open car beneath a stone arch, a policeman in front
c. 1918–19 Theodore Roosevelt raises his hat from an open motor car under the arches of Union Station as onlookers cheer. Union StationNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 1269 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Streetcar tracks torn up at a junction with a streetcar and the Treasury behind
c. 1919 A streetcar passes track work at Pennsylvania Avenue and F Street, looking toward the Treasury, about 1919. The TreasuryNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12357-7 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A row of shops and cars on a busy downtown street
1919 Shops at 13th and F Streets NW, 1919. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · U.S. GEOG FILE - Washington, D.C.--Streets [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Horse-drawn lunch wagons and a car at the kerb with people gathered round them
c. 1918–20 Lunch vendors' wagons and a motor car draw a crowd of office workers outside the Treasury Annex around 1919. The TreasuryNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 4859 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A streetcar stopped beside a crowd of shoppers on a busy corner
c. 1918–20 A streetcar and shoppers at 11th and F Streets NW, about 1919. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 5116 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Crowds of office workers leaving a long, low concrete government building, cars in the street
1919 Crowds of workers stream out of the new Navy Building at the end of the day in 1919. The MallHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30162 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Aerial view of flat airfield and hangars by a river, a wing strut in the frame
1919 Bolling Field and the Anacostia naval air station, seen from an aeroplane in 1919. Anacostia and the riverHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30583 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Aerial view of a long bridge over water, a basin and the Washington Monument
1919 The Long Bridge, the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument from an aeroplane, 1919. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30586 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A horse-drawn wagon with big lettered signs surrounded by men in overcoats
1919 A horse-drawn suffrage bus, its signs announcing a "monster mass meeting" at the Belasco Theatre to welcome envoys of the women voters, draws a crowd in 1919. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30674 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A streetcar tipped over on its side on a tree-lined street, men in straw hats watching
c. 1919 Onlookers gather round a streetcar lying on its side in the road, around 1919. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30728 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Silhouetted trees framing a long steel truss bridge across a river
c. 1915–23 A railway truss bridge across the Potomac seen through the dark silhouettes of riverbank trees. The Potomac waterfrontHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-1089 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Night view of derailed streetcars at an intersection with a crowd and a large street clock
c. 1915–23 Crowds gather at night round derailed streetcars slewed across a downtown intersection, a street clock in the foreground. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-2227-a [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A car decorated with branches and flags, a policeman on a bicycle beside it
June 28, 1919 A motor car smothered in greenery and flags drives in the Auto Trade Association parade, June 28, 1919, a policeman cycling alongside. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 44258 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Two white horses and firemen at the open door of a fire station
c. 1918–21 Fire horses harnessed and ready in the doorway of a firehouse, about 1920. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 6467 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small filling station with a car at the pump
c. 1918–21 A Penn Oil Company filling station at Massachusetts Avenue and North Capitol Street, about 1920. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 9973 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A three-story brick corner building with produce sacks piled along its sidewalk
c. 1919–20 Sacks and crates stacked on the sidewalk under the awnings of the Hickman Building at 10th Street and Louisiana Avenue, around 1920. Center Market place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 3611 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a snowy street corner with a cigar store, a streetcar and a columned building
c. 1919–20 Slush lines 9th and F Streets beside the columned Patent Office, a streetcar passing the United Cigar Stores corner, around 1920. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 3721 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A 1920s touring car parked on a road in front of the Lincoln Memorial
c. 1919–20 An Oldsmobile touring car poses on the road below the Lincoln Memorial, around 1920. The Lincoln MemorialNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 3753 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A motor car on a riverside road with an obelisk in the distance
c. 1919–20 An Oldsmobile touring car on the Speedway in Potomac Park, with the Washington Monument behind, about 1920. The Tidal Basin and Potomac ParkNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 3760 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An open touring car parked before a huge ornate government building
c. 1920 A Hudson Super Six motor car at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the State, War and Navy Building, around 1920. State, War and Navy BuildingNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12350-1 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a columned government building with streetcars on the streets around it
c. 1920 The Patent Office's columned portico and long wings above streets crossed by streetcars, around 1920. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-1-R [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A 1920 touring car in front of the Lincoln Memorial
1920 A King motor car parked before the Lincoln Memorial, 1920. The Lincoln MemorialNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12350-1 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Cars stopped at an intersection with a crowd of onlookers
c. 1920 A traffic accident draws a crowd at 14th and Q Streets NW, about 1920. Dupont Circle and the avenuesNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12350-3 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An unfinished steel bridge arch springing from a stone pier over a river, a barge beside it
1920 The steel arch of the Key Bridge reaches out from a stone pier over the Potomac during construction in 1920, a work boat moored below. GeorgetownNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 10305 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Concrete bridge arches and piers rising out of still water
1920 Arches of the Key Bridge rise over the Potomac beside the old Aqueduct Bridge, around 1920. GeorgetownNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 10306 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Horse-drawn carriages and people in front of a row of shops with signs
1920 Horse-drawn carriages and onlookers crowd the street outside J. E. Cunningham's and a Travers shoe shop, 1920. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 10250 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wrecked boxy motor truck against a tree with onlookers
1920 A delivery truck wrapped around a tree after an accident at 6th and H Streets NW, 1920. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 10425 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long brick market hall with a corner tower and vehicles along the kerb
c. 1920 Center Market on Pennsylvania Avenue about 1920, its long arcaded front lined with delivery wagons and motor cars. Center MarketNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 4424 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An ornate theater front with big signs, a horse carriage and car parked in front
c. 1920 Loew's Palace Theater on F Street shows Wallace Reid in "What's Your Hurry" around 1920, with a carriage, a motor car and bicycles at the kerb. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 4757 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A busy corner with an ornate theatre covered in posters and motor cars
c. 1910–30 Crandall's Theater, its front covered in posters, at 9th and E Streets NW, with Loew's Columbia sign behind and cars at the kerb. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-6C <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A large department store on a street corner with awnings, cars and pedestrians
c. 1910–30 The Woodward & Lothrop department store fills its downtown corner, awnings out, with cars and shoppers in the streets below. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-6A <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A row of trucks parked beside a large colonnaded stone building
November 29, 1920 Post Office motor trucks line up beside the new City Post Office building for a parade, November 29, 1920. Union Station place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 10617 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wooden canal boat on calm water reflected beneath wooded hills
c. 1909–32 A canal boat glides along the still, tree-lined C&O Canal, its reflection doubled in the water below wooded hills. GeorgetownNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12357-3 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An open motor car with uniformed men at a stone arcade
c. 1909–32 An official government motor car under the arches of Union Station. Union StationNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12350-1 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A covered wagon with two horses beside a brick building
c. 1909–32 A horse-drawn wagon outside the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The MallNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12356-2 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Three white horses pulling a fire truck out of a station doorway
c. 1909–32 A horse-drawn hook-and-ladder truck rushes out of a firehouse. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · No call number recorded on caption card [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long motor fire truck with ladders on a street
c. 1909–32 A motorised hook-and-ladder engine of the District fire department. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · No call number recorded on caption card [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Uniformed aviators standing in a row under the nose and propellers of a large biplane
c. 1909–32 Airmen in flying coats line up beneath the nose of a huge Handley Page bomber on the polo grounds. The Tidal Basin and Potomac Park place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 44033 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wide city street lined with tall hotels and parked cars
c. 1920–21 Looking down 14th Street from F Street around 1920, with hotels and offices on either side and motor cars parked at the kerb. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 5207 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A corner commercial building on a wet street with cars
c. 1920–21 The Stinemetz Building at 12th and F Streets NW, about 1920. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 5453 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crowd of boys and men around an overturned motor bus in a street
c. 1920–21 Onlookers gather round a Washington Rapid Transit Co. bus lying on its side in the street, early 1920s. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 5793 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A row of downtown shop buildings with signs and parked cars in front
c. 1920–21 Shopfronts along F Street, among them Meyer's Shops, "the store with a smile," with motor cars parked along the street around 1920. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 6508 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A uniformed policeman beside a tall stop-and-go signal post
c. 1909–32 A policeman directs traffic with a mirror and a signal post at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12355-7 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A police wagon with officers and a mounted policeman before the Treasury
c. 1909–32 Policemen ride a horse-drawn patrol wagon past the south side of the Treasury. The TreasuryNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12355-7 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wide avenue with tall office buildings and the clock tower of the Post Office
c. 1909–32 Pennsylvania Avenue at 11th Street, with the Post Office Department and the Evening Star building. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12357-7 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A tall ornate office building seen through a dark stone arch, a car in the street
c. 1909–32 The Evening Star Building at Pennsylvania Avenue and 11th Street, framed by a dark archway, with Galt & Bro. jewellers to the left and a motor car passing. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-6D <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A derailed streetcar, number 112, slewed across a corner with men and boys watching
1921 Onlookers stand beside a streetcar that has jumped the rails at 8th and F Streets NE in 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 12071 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A truck carrying a small metal-sided garage building on a cobbled street, a streetcar behind
1921 A truck carries an entire corrugated-iron garage down a cobbled street past a streetcar, 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 14472 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Tall-masted wooden schooners moored at a wharf
1921 Sailing schooners tied up along the waterfront, 1921. The Southwest waterfrontNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 15348 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Many small sailing boats packed side by side at a wharf
1921 Oyster and produce boats crowd the Water Street wharves, 1921. The Southwest waterfrontNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 15349 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A car driving up a timber ramp on rough ground while a crowd watches
1921 A crowd watches a closed motor car climb a ramp of planks in a rough lot during a Birmingham car demonstration in 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 15964 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A motor truck with a sign reading Xmas early mailing, gifts on hand
1921 A Post Office truck urging early Christmas mailing, 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 17101 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long street of identical brick rowhouses with crowds on the sidewalk
January 5, 1921 Crowds line a street of brick rowhouses at the scene of an accident involving a fire vehicle, January 5, 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 11283 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crowd of boys and men around a crashed open motor car on a street
January 5, 1921 Onlookers surround the fire chief's wrecked car, January 5, 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 11285 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a crowd raising hats around touring cars on a curving drive
April 12, 1921 Onlookers doff their hats as President Harding's motor car arrives at the Capitol to deliver his first message to Congress, April 12, 1921. The CapitolNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 13259 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A motor car full of people in front of the Capitol's columns
September 21, 1921 Visitors in an open touring car in front of the Capitol, September 21, 1921. The CapitolNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 15944 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A touring car with women and a dog before the Capitol dome
September 21, 1921 Women and their dog in an open car in front of the Capitol, September 21, 1921. The CapitolNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 15972 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Buses and cars crowded together on a street
November 11, 1921 A traffic jam of buses and motor cars on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, the day the Unknown Soldier was buried. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 16838 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crowd beside streetcars under an awning
November 11, 1921 Crowds and stalled streetcars on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 16839 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A boxy armoured truck on a dirt road with a man standing by
December 1, 1921 The Post Office Department tests its new armoured mail trucks at Fort Myer, December 1, 1921. Arlington and Fort MyerNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 16988 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A motor truck covered in evergreen boughs with a sign reading Xmas Post Office
December 10, 1921 A Christmas mail truck decorated with evergreens, December 1921. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12293, v. 3, p. 17 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A brick garage with a big lettered sign and an early tow truck parked in front
c. 1921–22 A tow truck stands outside the Potomac Garage, its doorway hung with signs for Goodrich tyres and motor fuel. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 7433 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man on a horse riding toward the camera in front of a huge ornate building
c. 1921–22 President Warren Harding rides out on horseback in front of the State, War and Navy Building, with motor cars parked along the street, 1921 or 1922. State, War and Navy BuildingHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-3712 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wide avenue full of cars running toward a distant dome, with a hotel sign at left
c. 1921–22 Motor cars fill Pennsylvania Avenue below the Hotel Occidental's sign, the Capitol dome hazy at the far end, about 1921. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-3718 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Women with umbrellas queuing outside shops on a rainy street, motor cars at the kerb
1922 A line of women under umbrellas waits outside a shoe and furniture store on a wet day in 1922. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 18586 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man driving a car on caterpillar tracks, soldiers and a tank behind, a bridge arch above
c. 1921–23 A small tracked motor vehicle and a tank on show before soldiers and onlookers beneath the arches of the Key Bridge, early 1920s. GeorgetownHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-2452 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man in a straw hat buys fruit from a pushcart while a streetcar passes
c. 1921–23 A street vendor's barrow heaped with fruit on a busy corner in the early 1920s, with a streetcar passing behind. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-3188 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of parked cars and people crossing a street before a large stone building
1922 Motor cars parked in front of an office building while costumed figures cross the street, 1922. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4440 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crashed car and a delivery van on a street with onlookers
January 21, 1922 A bootlegger's wrecked car on a city street, January 21, 1922. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 18491 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men in overcoats standing around a crashed car and a police van on a wet street
January 21, 1922 Capitol police and onlookers gather round a pair of bootleggers' car, wrecked at the end of a chase through the city in January 1922, with a police wagon alongside. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12294, vol. 1, p. 26 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long line of streetcars stopped in a snowy street with a truck and car beside them
January 28, 1922 A line of streetcars stands stalled in the snow during the trolley tie-up of January 28, 1922 during a heavy snowstorm. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12350-5 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a crowd and streetcars in a snowy street beside a ruined theater
January 30, 1922 Crowds and stalled streetcars in the snow beside the Knickerbocker Theater after the roof collapse, January 30, 1922, seen from above the wrecked auditorium. The Knickerbocker TheatreNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 17534 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A large early motor bus at the kerb with a passenger stepping out, the Capitol behind
February 1922 A Washington Rapid Transit Co. motor bus stops at the Capitol, early 1922. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4093 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small biplane on a gravel drive with two men beside it, the Lincoln Memorial behind
March 22, 1922 Two men stand beside a small Sperry plane parked on a drive near the Lincoln Memorial, March 1922. The Lincoln MemorialHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-4186 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small airplane at the bottom of broad steps of the Capitol, people watching
March 22, 1922 A man climbs into a small airplane parked at the foot of the Capitol steps, March 22, 1922, watched by onlookers. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4187 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small biplane in front of the Capitol steps, men in coats crowding round it
March 22, 1922 A small biplane sits on the Capitol plaza at the foot of the steps in March 1922, a flyer in leather coat shaking hands amid a crowd of onlookers. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4188 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Marchers on an avenue with streetcars and old buildings
April 27, 1922 Veterans march along Pennsylvania Avenue past streetcars in the Grant Memorial parade, April 27, 1922. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 18620 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A policeman beside a crashed car with crates stacked on the road
November 16, 1922 A policeman stands by a wrecked car and the cases of moonshine found in it, November 16, 1922. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12294, vol. 10, p. 1 (similar photo) <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A streetcar with large painted safety slogans along its side
November 27, 1922 A streetcar covered in safety slogans such as "Don't get hurt" and "Help prevent accidents" for Safety Week, November 1922. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12294, v. 10 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Tall office buildings along a street with streetcars
c. 1918–28 The Central Savings Bank building and its neighbours on a downtown street, with streetcars and motor cars, 1920s. Downtown and F Street place uncertainNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 2463 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small filling station with a big sign on a corner lot
c. 1918–28 The Minute Service filling station on Georgia Avenue, 1920s, under a tall "Standard Gasoline" sign. U Street and ShawNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 2489 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A truck full of clowns with the Capitol dome behind
c. 1918–28 Clowns ride a Semmes Motor Company truck at the Capitol for a Liberty Loan drive. The CapitolNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 2755 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view up a tree-lined avenue with apartment hotels and church spires
1923 Looking north up Vermont Avenue from L Street in 1923, past the Portland apartment hotel and tree-lined streets. Dupont Circle and the avenues place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 25465 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Three 1920s touring cars parked in front of the Lincoln Memorial
1923 Shriners' motor cars, named for officers of Almas Temple, lined up before the Lincoln Memorial for the Shrine convention, 1923. The Lincoln MemorialNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 24856 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A busy street with streetcars and cars seen from above beside a colonnade
1923 Streetcars and motor cars at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue beside the Treasury, 1923. The TreasuryNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 25360 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Seen from above, crowds of people crossing a street junction with tracks and a car
1923 Pedestrians in cloche hats and long coats cross a busy downtown intersection past a streetcar in 1923. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 28065 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a busy avenue with cars and streetcars, tall buildings and a clock tower
1923 Motor cars and streetcars stream along Pennsylvania Avenue seen from above 15th Street in 1923, the Old Post Office tower down the avenue. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 23271 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men handling a biplane on floats at the edge of a long pool, the Lincoln Memorial behind
1923 Men steady an amphibian biplane at the edge of the Reflecting Pool in 1923, the Lincoln Memorial at the far end. The Lincoln MemorialHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-5509 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A busy avenue hung with Shriner decorations, motorcycles and cars in the foreground
1923 Pennsylvania Avenue decked out for the Shriners in 1923, with motorcycle police, cars and streetcars under the festive arches. Pennsylvania Avenue place probableHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-6129 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long flat barge with two masts and passengers on the water, a dome far off
1923 A two-masted barge crowded with passengers and a carved figurehead noses along the river in 1923, the Capitol dome on the far horizon. The Potomac waterfront place uncertainHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-6140-XIV [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long airship in a cloudy sky above the Lincoln Memorial and a river
1923 The Navy airship ZR-1 flies over the Lincoln Memorial and the Potomac on September 22, 1923. The Lincoln MemorialHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-7042 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A truck piled high with beef carcasses driven along a street, streetcars beyond
1923 An African American driver delivers a truck heaped with sides of beef to Center Market in 1923, streetcars passing behind. Center MarketNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12353-10 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men walking across an intersection painted with white curved traffic lines
January 1923 Freshly painted traffic lines curve across an intersection in early 1923, as pedestrians and a motor car pass. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-5285 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A streetcar in falling snow with a woman holding an umbrella beside the track
January 1923 A woman with an umbrella crosses in front of a streetcar in a snowstorm, early 1923. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-5313 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A car under trees covered in ice in front of a building
February 16, 1923 Ice-coated trees and a fire engine at the People's Drug Store fire, February 16, 1923. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 22596 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Several biplanes parked on a field by a hangar
March 31, 1923 Biplanes outside the hangars at Bolling Field, 1923. Anacostia and the riverNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- [23336] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A busy avenue of streetcars and cars, decorations strung across it, the Capitol dome far off
May 1923 Streetcars and motor cars on Pennsylvania Avenue in May 1923, the street hung with Shriners' emblems as far as the Capitol dome. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-5773 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A night view down a long avenue strung with lights toward a glowing domed building
May 29, 1923 Pennsylvania Avenue lit up at night on May 29, 1923, its strings of lights running straight to the floodlit Capitol dome. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 24395 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A night view of a long avenue lined with bright lights, a lit dome at the far end
May 29, 1923 Pennsylvania Avenue at night from the Treasury, May 1923, its street lamps blazing in a line toward the lit Capitol dome. Pennsylvania AvenueNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 24380 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A horse and covered wagon by a brick house on a quiet street
July 4, 1923 A horse-drawn delivery wagon at the kerb on the Fourth of July, 1923. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 25166 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wagon packed with men behind a team of white horses on a city street
November 27, 1923 A wagon crowded with passengers rolls down a downtown street on the November 1923 day the strongman Siegmund Breitbart hauled a wagonload of fifty people through Washington with his teeth. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-7356 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long shopping street with cars and pedestrians seen from above
1924 F Street from 10th Street, 1924, crowded with motor cars and shoppers. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 28763 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A busy intersection seen from above, with many 1920s cars and people crossing
1924 Motor cars and pedestrians criss-cross the junction of 13th and G Streets in 1924. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 32976 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view down a tree-lined street of parked cars past a long office building to the Capitol dome
1924 The House Office Building and the Capitol dome above rows of parked cars along a tree-lined street, 1924. The CapitolNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 30168 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A uniformed policeman and a boy beside a traffic signal post next to a car
1924 A policeman and a small boy man the traffic signal at a street corner, 1924. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-8149 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A woman in white standing beside an open car with friends in it
1924 Three young women with their touring car in Rock Creek Park, 1924. Rock Creek Park and the ZooHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-8701 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A huge crowd lining a broad avenue as a line of motor cars drives down the middle
1924 Dense crowds pack Pennsylvania Avenue as a motorcade passes in 1924, the Old Post Office tower rising beyond. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-8928 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A launch on a wide river with a large building on the far shore
April 1924 A motor boat on the Potomac off Fort McNair, with Roosevelt Hall behind, 1924. Washington Barracks and the War CollegeHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-8348 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A policeman beside a stop-and-go sign at an intersection
June 8, 1924 A traffic policeman and a signal post at a downtown corner, June 1924. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 29886 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men in overcoats and naval uniform beside a deck gun on a submarine
December 3, 1924 Navy Secretary Wilbur and officers inspect the deck gun of the submarine V-1 at the Navy Yard, December 3, 1924. The Navy YardNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 33477 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A street corner with a small ornate building, a streetcar and a large columned building
c. 1920–29 The corner of 9th and G Streets NW in the 1920s, with a streetcar passing the Patent Office. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12357-7 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Large apartment blocks along a sloping road with cars
c. 1920–29 The Embassy Apartments on a new suburban avenue in the 1920s. Dupont Circle and the avenues place uncertainNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-3B [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A large modern department store on a street corner with flags on the roof, cars below
c. 1925 The Hecht Company department store on its downtown corner around 1925, flags flying from the roof. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-6 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A car and horsemen on a broad avenue lined with crowds, the Capitol dome behind
1925 An open car and mounted escort lead the 1925 inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol between lines of spectators. Pennsylvania Avenue place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 34416 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An iron truss footbridge over a canal with boats and buildings
1925 Canal boats moored beneath an iron footbridge on the C&O Canal in Georgetown, 1925. GeorgetownNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 36215 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of cars parked in painted lanes on a wide plaza bordered by trees
1925 Freshly painted traffic markings guide the motor cars parked and turning on the Capitol Plaza in 1925. The CapitolNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 37677 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view down a city street lined with tall office buildings and trees
1925 F Street seen from the Patent Office toward the Treasury in 1925, office blocks and trees lining the street. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 36478 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A farm tractor pulling a trailer with a big lettered sign, the Library of Congress dome behind
c. 1920–30 A tractor hauls a trailer bearing the National Liberal Alliance's petition for light wines and beer, "the voice of 7,000,000 people", past the Library of Congress. The Library of CongressHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-9993-x [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crowd of men in caps around a police van and cars on a street of brick shops
January 31, 1925 A crowd gathers round the police wagon during a raid on a gambling den on E Street between 12th and 13th, January 31, 1925. Downtown and F StreetNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 34089 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A dense crowd of people around a horse-drawn fire engine in a street
June 15, 1925 Crowds in straw hats press round the horse-drawn engine on the last run of Barney, Gene and Tom, District fire department horses, June 15, 1925. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 36048 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man in a coat examining a traffic light on a post
January 5, 1926 Traffic Director Eldridge inspects one of the city's new electric traffic lights, January 5, 1926. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 38959 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Onlookers in snow around a crushed car beneath a high bridge
February 12, 1926 The wreck of a car that fell 70 feet from the Calvert Street Bridge into the Rock Creek valley, February 12, 1926. Rock Creek Park and the ZooNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 39317 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small motor launch with an officer beside a larger dark police boat at a wooden pier
July 1, 1926 A harbor police launch flying the flag comes alongside a larger patrol boat at the pilings, July 1926. The Potomac waterfrontNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 40170 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A fire engine in the street in front of a grand mansard-roofed mansion with smoke
November 19, 1926 Fire engines stand outside the Polish Legation during the fire of November 19, 1926. Around the cityNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 40797 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A crashed seaplane partly submerged in a river, men standing nearby
May 23, 1927 A wrecked Navy plane lies half-sunk in the Potomac near the Naval Air Station at Anacostia, May 1927. Anacostia and the riverHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-2042 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A smashed biplane lying in grass on an airfield
November 1927 A U.S. Navy plane lies wrecked on the field of the Naval Air Station at Anacostia after a tornado struck in late 1927. Anacostia and the riverHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-2337 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A man in a dark coat led by a dog crossing in front of a car, the Capitol dome behind
c. 1927–28 A man with a guide dog crosses the Capitol plaza in front of a waiting motor car, around 1927. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-2446 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small airship in a pale sky above the Washington Monument
1928 A blimp floats in the hazy sky above the Washington Monument, 1928. The Washington MonumentHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-3016 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A long submarine moored beside a dock with a crane
November 20, 1928 The new submarine V-4 tied up at the Navy Yard, November 20, 1928. The Navy YardHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-3094 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A hotel entrance canopy on a wide pavement with flags
after 1925 The Connecticut Avenue entrance of the Mayflower Hotel, which opened in 1925. Dupont Circle and the avenuesDate checked: The Library's 1916–1917 comes from neighbouring negatives, but the Mayflower Hotel opened on February 18, 1925.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 1551 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
Men wheeling crates into an armoured truck
June 26, 1929 Guards load the new small-size currency into an armoured truck to carry it from the Bureau of Engraving to the Treasury, June 26, 1929. The TreasuryNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12299, v. 3 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A blimp in the sky above the Lincoln Memorial
January 1930 An Army airship floats over the Lincoln Memorial, early 1930. The Lincoln MemorialHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-3824 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
High view of a busy junction full of streetcars and cars
March 1930 Rush hour at 15th Street and New York Avenue, 1930: streetcars, buses and motor cars jam the junction. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-3922 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A wide street crowded with cars beside tall buildings
March 1930 The 4:30 rush hour at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, 1930. Pennsylvania AvenueHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-3923 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A rotor aircraft in the air in front of the Capitol dome
1931 An autogiro flies low past the Capitol dome, 1931. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-4767 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
An old-fashioned carriage pulled by horses before the Capitol
1931 A horse-drawn carriage with liveried coachmen in front of the Capitol, 1931. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-4780 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A small blimp high in the sky above the Capitol dome
1931 An airship passes over the Capitol dome, 1931. The CapitolHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-4883 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A downtown street of shops and office blocks with cars parked along it
1931 F Street looking east from 15th Street, with the Old Ebbitt and Garfinckel's department store, 1931. Downtown and F StreetHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-4914 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A large airship near the ground with the Washington Monument in the background
1932 An Army blimp comes down on the Monument grounds, 1932, with the obelisk behind. The Washington MonumentHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-5039 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication
A uniformed policeman standing beside a traffic signal on a pavement
1932 A Metropolitan Police officer beside a signal post on a downtown street, 1932. Around the cityHarris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-5091 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Other collections: Votes for women · The war years, 1917–1919 · Parades, inaugurations and ceremonies · Building the monumental city · The cherry trees and the parks · Union Station and the railways · Daily life