It’s no secret that DC is always changing. There are physical changes to buildings, parks and landscape. And there are the cultural changes, like the shifts in neighborhoods, crime rates and popular nightlife spots. It is fascinating to look back at DC and how DC has changed and how much has stayed the same. These 14 photos from the past and from today give you a peak at how much DC has changed and how it’s stayed the same.

2922 M Street Northwest

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in DC and it’s always been a popular shopping destination. The shops may have changed but the buildings still look similar.

Connecticut Avenue and Albemarle Street NW

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments There are often changes to DC blocks like this one. What was once a shopping center has been transformed into luxury apartments.

1700 Block Pennsylvania Avenue

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments In the 1920s, this section of Pennsylvania Avenue was home to a Chinese restaurant, a bank and a bar. The bar would later become a post office. There’s still a post office on this block but this specific spot is now the Mills building.

National Cathedral School

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments The National Cathedral School was built in 1990 on the grounds of the National Cathedral. The building has remained relatively unchanged in the last 30 years.

Sidney Lust’s Leader Theater — 9th Street Northwest

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments Sidney Lust came to DC to open a chain of theaters in the 1920s. The Leader Theater was the first one he opened. Today the location is a (much less fun) office building.

Georgetown University, Old North Building, 37th and O Street

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments Georgetown University’s Old North Building was built in 1795. Many of the country’s presidents have spoken here including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Center Market — 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments The Center Market was built in 1872. It was the district’s central spot, halfway between the White House and the Capitol. It would become the biggest market in the district. Today, however it is the United States Archives Building.

Do you think it’s fascinating to see these photos from the past and realize how much DC has changed and stayed the same? Step back into DC’s history with these amazing rare photos of DC’s past!

Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments

Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in DC and it’s always been a popular shopping destination. The shops may have changed but the buildings still look similar.

There are often changes to DC blocks like this one. What was once a shopping center has been transformed into luxury apartments.

In the 1920s, this section of Pennsylvania Avenue was home to a Chinese restaurant, a bank and a bar. The bar would later become a post office. There’s still a post office on this block but this specific spot is now the Mills building.

The National Cathedral School was built in 1990 on the grounds of the National Cathedral. The building has remained relatively unchanged in the last 30 years.

Sidney Lust came to DC to open a chain of theaters in the 1920s. The Leader Theater was the first one he opened. Today the location is a (much less fun) office building.

Georgetown University’s Old North Building was built in 1795. Many of the country’s presidents have spoken here including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

The Center Market was built in 1872. It was the district’s central spot, halfway between the White House and the Capitol. It would become the biggest market in the district. Today, however it is the United States Archives Building.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.