Collection Overview
Washington As It Was, 1923-1959, features Washington, D.C. as a developing urban center. The images highlight the architecture of government, industrial, commercial, and residential buildings and chronicle Washington's social and cultural life through photographs of its events, clubs, organizations, embassies, museums, galleries, and libraries.
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Special Features
These online exhibits provide context and additional information about this collection.
Historical Eras
These historical era(s) are best represented in the collection although they may not be all-encompassing.
- Development of the Industrial United States, 1876-1915
- Emergence of Modern America, 1890-1930
- The Great Depression and World War II, 1929-1945
- Postwar United States, 1945-early 1970s
Related Collections and Exhibits
These collections and exhibits contain thematically-related primary and secondary sources. Also browse the Collection Finder for more related material on the American Memory Web site.
- American Life Histories, 1936-1940
- Architecture and Interior Design for 20th Century America, 1935-1955
- FSA/OWI Photographs, 1935-1945
- Panoramic Maps, 1847-1929
- Taking the Long View, 1851-1991
- Temple of Liberty: Building the Capitol for a New Nation
- Touring Turn-of-the-Century America, 1880-1920
Other Resources
Recommended additional sources of information.
Search Tips
Specific guidance for searching this collection
For help with search words, go to the Washington As It Was Subject Index and the Synonym List
For help with search strategies, see Finding Items in American Memory.
Last Updated: 06/30/2009