Early Photos of Washington D.C. From the 1860s

Mathew Brady (1823-1896) was one of the most prolific photographers of the nineteenth century, creating a visual documentation of the Civil War period (1860-1865). Here are some early photos of Washington D.C. ca. 1860 - ca. 1865 by Mathew Brady.

Botanical Gardens, Washington D.C.

Old Capitol Prison, Washington D.C.

Cavalry Depot at Giesboro, D.C.

Fort Carroll. Defenses of Washington, D.C., near Giesboro

Fort Carroll, interior view, District of Columbia

Barracks, Fort Meigs, D.C.

Aqueduct Bridge at Georgetown, D.C. or Meigs Bridge

Arsenal Grounds, Washington, D.C.

 Fort Totten, near Washigton City, D.C.

Fort Totten, near Rock Creek Church, D. C.

Hospital near Washington, D.C.

Fort near Washington City, DC

Fort Carroll, near Washington, D.C.

Bridge across the Eastern Branch, Washington, D.C., 1862

 Cavalry stables, Geisboro, D.C.

Headquarters, Giesboro, D.C.

Surgeons of Harewood Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Hospital near Washington, D.C.

Barracks at Fort Carroll near Giesboro Point, D.C.

 Fort Totten, D.C. Defenses of Washington

Camp scene and Fort (Perhaps near Washington.)

Officers of 55th Inf. at Fort Tennalytown, D.C.

Fort near Washington, D.C. May be Ft. Slemmer

 Capitol of the United States, Washington, D.C.

Cavalry Depot. Giesboro, D.C.

Corral at Giesboro, D.C.

Long Bridge, Washington, D.C.

Maryland Avenue Depot at Washington, D.C.

Hospital near Washington, D.C.

Carver Hospital, Washington, D.C. Interior View

Hospital near Washington, D.C.

Wiard 6 lb. Guns, Washington Arsenal. Excelsior Brigade

Harewood Hospital near Washington City, D.C

View of Washington, D.C

Washington Barracks, D.C. Old Caption Arsenal at Washington.

Hospital near Washington City, D.C

Hospital near Washington City

Hospital near Washington, D.C

Grand Review, 1865. Washington, Showing Reviewing Stand with General Grant,  Cabinet.

(via The U.S. National Archives)