Looking east—in 1869 (Image via Library of Congress)

The second half of the 19th century was a tumultuous one for Washington D.C., as the Civil War ripped apart the country and actually contributed to the city’s growth: With soldiers coming into the city to defend it and other government agencies needed to handle the war effort, the population grew from 75,000 in 1860 to over 130,000 in 1870. By 1890, there were nearly a quarter of a million residents—the Capitol Building’s expansion didn’t get built by itself, after all! Click through for a look back at D.C. in the 19th century compared to now!

The clothing and language may be the different, but see how 1860s New York isn’t so different from today—shocking crimes, terrible mass transit etiquette—in BBC America’s COPPER, a gripping new cop drama series from Academy Award®-winner Barry Levinson and Emmy® Award-winner Tom Fontana. COPPER premieres Sunday, August 19th at 10/9c only on BBC America—watch a trailer below and don’t miss your chance to win an iPad!

Filed Under: 19 century d.c., 19th century, bbc america, copper, copper tv, d.c., d.c. history, old d.c., washington d.c., washington d.c. history,