The bank that helped fund the Mexican-American War and the purchase of Alaska met its downfall after helping Augusto Pinochet launder money.

One critic described it as "middle Mussolini, early Ramses, and late Neiman-Marcus." Another called it an architectural "natural disaster."

A historic estate packed with George Washington's heirlooms, and its own nuclear bunker.

Before Nixon, "watergate" meant canals.

Legend has it that President Grant’s frequent drinking in the lobby gave rise to the term “lobbyist.”

Before Metro, Washington had a robust streetcar network—and you see the remains of this infrastructure if you know where to look.

This seemingly out-of-place gas station by the Watergate hotel was once described as the most expensive gas station in the world.

Decades before the scandal, this staircase on the river was a literal "water gate."

The famous abolitionist’s preserved estate is one of Washington's finest monuments to its great Black citizens.

The "lovely red Vega" of the legendary record-settling pilot.

The privately owned cemetery that holds room for Washington's finest when they step down from life.

The actual model from the original "Star Trek" series is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum.

The beloved statue at the National Academy of Sciences is oh so inviting to sit on.

A super-sized promotional trick that is now a D.C. landmark.

The first purpose-built art gallery in the United States is once again open as a center of craft arts.

Four bald cypress trees in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, mark the southern edge of a 100,000 year old cypress swamp.

This lonely waterfront memorial to the men of the Titanic was erected by the "Women of America."

Largest Roman Catholic church in North America.

The house where John Wilkes Booth conspired with his co-conspirators.

During the Industrial Revolution this “Temple of Invention” was full of intricate miniature machines and gadgets.

A haunting tribute to pioneering photographer Clover Adams.

Long-abandoned trolley tunnels just a mile away from the White House are turning into an art space.

A Civil War fort in the middle of Washington, D.C. has been swallowed by a forest.

A monument in Washington D.C. marks the spot from which all other roads were supposed to stem.