noblejohn's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Knoxville, Maryland

The Sign Above the Tunnel

This advertisement for talcum powder was painted on the rock face and has since defied removal.
Jefferson, Maryland

War Correspondents Memorial

One of the only memorials dedicated to journalists who died in combat.
Dickerson, Maryland

Warren Historic Site

Once the center of a thriving early Black community called Martinsburg.
Bethesda, Maryland

Glen Echo Amusement Park

Once home to seven different roller coasters, Glen Echo has undergone many transformations since its founding in 1891.
Washington, D.C.

Site of the Union Station Train Crash

A 1,100-ton train fell through the floor in 1953. Workers got it patched up in just 72 hours.
Washington, D.C.

Capital Transit Co. Streetcar Barn

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

The Old Patent Model Museum

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

Renwick Gallery

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

Watergate Gas Station

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

Hecht Company Warehouse

Art deco landmark on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.
Lewes, Delaware

The Cannonball House

The historic home still shows the scars from a little run-in with the British in 1813.
Hull, Massachusetts

Nantasket Fascination Parlor

The only remaining place where you can play this century-old game for cash.
Boston, Massachusetts

Faneuil Hall

A former waterfront market is now in the center of town due to some interesting Boston engineering.
Washington, D.C.

St. Elizabeths Hospital

Government testing at the asylum briefly explored using marijuana as a "truth serum" on Nazi prisoners of war.
Washington, D.C.

Peacock Room

This stunning blue and gold room changed cities twice before becoming part of the Smithsonian.
Washington, D.C.

The Exorcist Stairs

The site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film is now a historic landmark.
Washington, D.C.

National Capitol Columns

The United States Capitol's former columns still stand.
Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus Rangers Stone

This stone honors the U.S. Rangers who made Carrickfergus their home base during World War II.
Washington, D.C.

The K-9 of the Korean War Veterans Memorial

Those with a sharp eye can find the hidden image of a German Shepherd on the memorial's Mural Wall.
Washington, D.C.

Watergate Steps

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

Rayburn House Office Building

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

1895 Looff Carousel

One of the few remaining carousels built by master amusement park carver Charles I.D. Looff.
Los Alamos, New Mexico

Bandelier National Monument

A small metropolis of Pueblo cave dwellings have been carved right into the hillside of this national monument.
Diamond, Missouri

World's Largest Small Electrical Appliance Museum

Thousands of small machines line the shelves of this personal collection which definitely delivers on its name.