J.D. Dickey

The US Capitol building is shown under construction in 1860. President Abraham Lincoln directed that work continue through the Civil War.

Washington was once quite literally a ‘cesspool’

Books

The history of Washington features plenty of mudslinging, fighting and division, and that’s without even going inside Congress. Here’s how the capital developed from the small, dirty, disorganized town it was in the 19th century into today’s capital — and how that history still shapes the city.

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Donate today to kickstart The World’s fundraising drive!

Donate today to help us raise $25,000 by June 30 and help sustain our international reporting. All donations will be matched 2:1!