Washington DC’s Lesser-Known History and Experiences You Never Knew

Washington DC is a city that has long been synonymous with fascinating history that has captured the attention of visitors. Along with a wealth of political facts and stories to discover, DC is filled with lesser-known history that shows how the city has offered incredible contributions to pop culture, society, science and technology.

Go-Go music, a subgenre of funk music, originated in Washington, DC, during the mid-60s to late 70s thanks to Chuck Brown, often called the “Godfather of Go-Go,” who played a pivotal role in developing this now iconic genre. Bending funk, R&B and early hip-hop elements, Go-Go is known for its unique beat and audience call-and-response interactions. Go-Go still rings through the streets of DC with live bands every Friday night at THRōW Social DC and theGoGo Symphony who proudly play the “official music of Washington DC.” And new this summer is the soft launch of the Go-Go Museum & Cafe, located in the birthplace of Go-Go, Anacostia, which will be dedicated to the study and heritage of artists past, present and future.

DC is known its role it played in the Civil Rights Movement and the setting of important moments in history for a better America, and this extends beyond the Capitol. The Bohemian Caverns, originally opened in 1926 as Club Caverns, was one of the first clubs in the city to integrate in the 1950’s, welcoming guests and performers of all backgrounds and races, further showing how music is a way to unite people, with iconic performers like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis having performed at the legendary venue. While the club closed in 2019, today the historic building is home to new concepts including Harlot DC Lounge & Restaurant. Paying tribute to jazz in the city is the annual DC JazzFest, which will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary from August 31 to September 1. For a long weekend getaway ideas for your summer adventure to Washington DC!

In the late 70s and early 80s, DC was also a central hub for the American punk rock scene that was taking over the country. Bands like Bad Brains and Minor Threat emerged from this movement, and the DIY (do-it-yourself) ethic they promoted influenced the broader punk subculture. The iconic 9:30 Club, opened in 1980, became a focal point for punk and alternative music and is still an important venue for the genre today. For those interested in learning more, DC by Foot conducts a fascinating music history tour in the U Street neighborhood.

U Street was a cultural and economic center for African Americans from the early 20th century until the 1968 riots. It was home to many Black-owned businesses, theaters, and clubs. Icons like Pearl Bailey performed here, which helped it earn its rightful nickname, “Black Broadway.” Today, it is a cultural hub and a reminder of DC’s Black community’s important past, thriving present and promising future. Don’t miss to discover Washington DC this summer.

Established in 1873, Eastern Market is one of the oldest continuously operated fresh food markets in the United States. It has become a community hub and a place where residents and visitors can enjoy local produce, crafts, and art.

The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846, has been the epitome of scientific research and education in the country and around the world, including DC’s 16 Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, all of which are free to the public. Aside from its famous museums, the Smithsonian has contributed significantly to fields such as anthropology, paleontology, and aviation.

Canadians are proud to call Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, one of their own after the Scottish-born inventor moved to Paris, Ontario in the 1870’s. But not many people know that Bell lived in DC for a few years, where he founded the Volta Bureau (now the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) in DC, which continues to focus on communication technology for the deaf.