Washington, D.C. Then and Now

Two hundred years ago, a city was envisioned that would rival the architectural splendor of Athens and Paris, and be the home of its nation’s power and influence. That city was Washington, D.C., and through the years it has developed its own unique look and identity. Its most iconic buildings—the White House, the Capitol, and the monuments—share space with modern glass midrises and residential developments. Although some buildings, such as the Smithsonian’s castle, look much the same as they did in their early days, others have changed dramatically.

Washington, D.C. Then and Now pairs vintage black-and-white photographs, some of which were taken by photography pioneers such as Mathew Brady, with stunning color photos taken from the same vantage points today. From the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial to Union Station and Ford’s Theater, Washington, D.C. Then and Now offers an intriguing view of the history of a city that itself creates history.