The word "Watergate" will forever be associated with the infamous scandal in 1972, but this fountain is famous in its own right.

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

This unassuming passageway played a key role in one of the most important events in U.S. history.

Before Nixon, "watergate" meant canals.

Dogs, cats, horses, monkeys, frogs, and fish are laid to rest at the second-oldest pet cemetery in the U.S.

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

Fittingly, America's museum of architecture is itself a magnificently designed old building.

The little-known, 300-year history of the area includes former lives as a bustling tobacco port, parking lot, and industrial dump.

The United States Capitol's former columns still stand.

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

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

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

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

The unique traffic pattern named for an influential urban planner is also known as the Pedestrian Scramble.

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

One of the dwarven trees dates back to 1625 and survived the Hiroshima bombing.

D.C.'s first central library was born out of a chance encounter with the philanthropist whose name it bears.

Once the supplier for noteworthy projects like the National Cathedral, this old brickworks now lies abandoned.

Every drop of D.C. tap water flows through this old waterworks.

This robust fence in front of a historic Georgetown home is likely made from hundreds of recycled Revolutionary War firearms.

This grand gothic brewery has been pumping out suds for over a hundred years.

With over 100 jam-packed rooms to explore plus elaborate tea services and events, the Mansion on O Street is a hidden treasure.

A small triangle of DC grass is the final resting place of one of Sonny and Cher's songs.

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