Boundary Stones | WETA's Washington DC Local History Website

Grave Robbing in Washington: A History of the Morbid Trade

In the late 19th century, the District of Columbia became a hub of grave robbing activity in the United States. Known as “resurrectionists” by the media outlets that covered their deeds, grave robbers haunted Washington’s many graveyards and potter’s fields in the cover of night, acquiring bodies to sell to local medical colleges. Their exploits may be thought of as morbid and disgusting, yet their contribution to modern medical science was an important one.

“Burnt All Their Houses”: Mount Vernon Narrowly Escaped British Destruction During the Revolutionary War

Through the first five years of the Revolutionary War, the beloved home of George Washington has managed to remain out of harm's way. But as winds sweep inland along the Potomac, British ships start...
Flower Power, An Exorcism, and The Resistance: The 1967 March on the Pentagon

On a chilly Saturday in October of 1967, more than 100,000 people gathered in Washington to protest America's involvement in the Vietnam War. More than half of them would then march to the Pentagon...
The Meeting that Changed Country Music — Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons in D.C.

Before Emmylou Harris became a renowned musician, singer, songwriter, and activist, she was a struggling single mother in the D.C. area. A meeting at Clyde's in Georgetown would change her life.

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

The American Revolution & Early America

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The Annapolis Tea Party of 1774

When a damaged brig, the Peggy Stewart, arrived in Annapolis in 1774 with sick passengers and a secret stash of tea, local outrage forced a dramatic decision — the ship and its tea were run aground and burned in a protest of British taxation. It was reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party and helped set Maryland on the road to revolution.
December 16, 2012
- Maryland
By Will Hughes
Lost History: Hungerford's Tavern

Apparently Hungerford’s Tavern in Rockville, Maryland was the place to be. Constructed around 1750, it was one of America’s first real taverns and hosted a number of big shots including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. In Rockville, it was a favorite watering hole for news, entertainment, business… and to fan the flames of Revolution.
July 25, 2013
- Maryland
By Ariel Veroske
George Washington's Complicated Relationship with His Mother

When one thinks about George Washington they probably think of the general that led America to victory in the Revolutionary War or the first president of the United States. What they may not think about is someone with a sometimes complicated relationship with his mother.
August 26, 2025
- Virginia
By Noah Brushwood

Watch & Learn

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In 1957, Queen Elizabeth Stunned Shoppers at a Maryland Grocery Store

In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II seemed intent on strengthening ties with everyday Americans -- starting at a Maryland grocery store.
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"The Exorcist" Was Based on an Actual Maryland Exorcism. Here's What REALLY Happened

The not-so-true story of the 'real' demonic possession that inspired the 1973's "The Exorcist."
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Hostage Standoff at the DC Jail: Shirley Chisholm and the 1972 Jail Uprising

In 1972, DC Jail inmates took hostages. Negotiations seemed futile. Then Shirley Chisholm arrived.

Prohibition Begins in Washington, D.C.

The Sheppard Act goes into effect, starting the era of Prohibition in Washington, D.C., over two years before it became law for the rest of the country.