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

A fantastic array of trays and cables once whisked books over to the Capitol at 600 feet per minute.

America's Most Wanted's set resides in this tribute to the history of crime and punishment.

This rare triple-jurisdiction drawbridge passes through Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Railroad officials in the early 1900s sought to spare travelers the sight of Roman soldiers’ private parts.

Need a hardcopy of the 50-title Code of Federal Regulations? This is the place.

Corn-inthian columns with a uniquely American take on neoclassical architecture.

The statue of John Harvard isn't actually John Harvard—or even, technically, the founder of the school.

A more than 260-year-old crypt built on Boston's oldest English burial ground.

The site where Charles Dickens gave his first public reading of "A Christmas Carol" in the US.

These items are all that remain from the room used by the author during his second tour of the U.S.

This statue intended for children to enjoy became a minor political spat.

Dedicated to one of the darkest moments in Irish history.

A tiny plaque marks the location of the water source that facilitated the birth of modern-day Boston.

The American Revolution was galvanized into serious action due to the tragic clash with British soldiers that occurred at this location.

The remnants of a Gilded Age elegance preserved in the middle of a stark modern tower.

This massive tea kettle was once a promotional stunt for the Oriental Teashop.

An interesting decoration on this historic site, this weathervane comes with as many legends as it does questions.

Located in Faneuil Hall, the headquarters of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts has stood the test of time.

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

This "life-size" depiction of Mickey Mouse as a half-lobster is both whimsical and a bit creepy, standing guard over the Boston waterfront.

Millions of numbers carved in glass represent the tattoos forced upon victims.

This nearly 200-year-old restaurant's history includes an exiled French prince, JFK, and a very hungry Daniel Webster.

This historic patch of real estate offers a glimpse of colonial Boston.