Political History

Donate

A Congressional Beating: Sam Houston and William Stanbery

A street confrontation on April 13, 1832 turned violent when former Congressman Sam Houston savagely cane‑whipped Representative William Stanbery after bitter accusations about Indian affairs.
January 9, 2013
- Washington, D.C.
By Mark Jones

Featured Topics

Sketch of the mythical fuan by Pearson Scott Foresman. [Source: Wikipedia]

Halloween

12 Posts

A group from Ecuador marches to Kalorama Park during 1971 Latino Festival. (Source: Reprinted with permission of the DC Public Library, Star Collection © Washington Post)

Hispanic Americans

4 Posts

Painting of George Washington on white horse with British soldiers walking alongside. Groups of soldiers stand on either side of the frame.

Revolutionary War

8 Posts

Abraham Lincoln

23 Posts

Woody Guthrie, 1943 (Library of Congress)

Music History

35 Posts

The Washington Mall from behind the Washington Monument, with the museums and other buildings visible in the distance

National Mall

16 Posts

German actress Hedwig Reicher wearing costume of "Columbia" with other suffrage pageant participants standing in background in front of the Treasury Building, March 3, 1913, Washington, D.C. (Source: Library of Congress)

Women's History

59 Posts

Mary Church Terrell stands with three African American men in 1953. (Reprinted with permission of the DC Public Library, Star Collection, © Washington Post.)

Black History

86 Posts

Popular Content

What's in a Name? The Smithsonian

He never traveled to the United States or took an interest in our politics. He wasn’t known for any philanthropic efforts. Though intellectually curious, he didn’t make any groundbreaking or well...

December 7, 2020

By Katherine Brodt
The Night 'West Side Story' Opened in Washington

On a sweltering August night in 1957, Washington’s National Theatre hosted a glittering crowd of senators, ambassadors, and VIPs for the pre-Broadway premiere of West Side Story. It was enough to make...

June 16, 2014

By Ellen Wexler
The Beatles' Final D.C. Concert

Although their first appearance in Washington D.C. was certainly more historic, the Beatles' last visit was nothing if not eventful, and verged on the downright bizarre. In stark contrast to that...

August 9, 2016

By Nick Scalera
A Washington Landmark: Ben’s Chili Bowl

According to co-founder Virginia Ali, Ben’s Chili Bowl has never been “your typical restaurant.” Unlike other diners of the 1950s, Virginia’s husband Ben thought “Washington might be hungry for the...

December 7, 2017

By Emily Robinson

Not sure what to read? Let's pick a story for you!

Surprise me!

Did you know? We made the D.C. Metro into a time machine!

Explore our Metro map inspired by historical events and sites rooted in the neighborhoods that surround each station. Hop aboard! Take a ride and learn on your commute.

Check out the Historic D.C. Metro Map

Featured Topics

Popular Content

Not sure what to read? Let's pick a story for you!

Did you know? We made the D.C. Metro into a time machine!

Love D.C. History? Support WETA!