Urban Legends & Historic Lore of Washington, D.C.

American Legends

by Robert S. Pohl

A carving of General Lee on the back of the Lincoln monument, the birth of lobbying at the Willard Hotel, a romantic gesture that built the distinctive homes of Capitol Hill--these are legends of Washington, D.C. The capital is home to all manner of colorful rumors and tall tales. According to local lore, the missing J Street was L'Enfant's snub to Supreme Court justice John Jay, and the course of history could have been changed if only a young baseball player named Fidel Castro had accepted a contract with the Washington Senators. In search of the truth behind these legends and more, local guide and writer Robert S. Pohl takes readers on a tour of the historic lore and urban legends that surround the monuments, neighborhood streets and even the Metro stations of Washington, D.C.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2013

Reviews

[Joni Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

wish/hope I can remember all the information stuffed into this book! Myths I thought I knew (why no METRO station in Georgetown) and myths I had never heard of (Taft getting stuck in the bath tub in the Whit House) are debunked through an educational telling that reveals not just the historical truths, but why the myths might have been started in the first place. I’m betting that every city has myths and legends that could support this kind of book. It’s a quick read and will appeal to residents a well as tourists. But I found that the style tended to be a bit like a text book instead of telling some fascinating stories.

[Michael Grizer (He-Him) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting quick read about some of the myths and legends in DC. Definitely gave us a few new places to go visit.

[Victor Salaverria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cool spots to check out mentioned

[Roberta Havel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author picked some great stories and extrapolated. The truth from fiction. The title tells it all Urban Legends and Historical Lore of Washington DC.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Pohl has done the public a great service in writing this book. How many visitors come to Washington, D.C. and are wrongly told that the city was built on a swamp, that John Quincy Adams feigned sleep while eavesdropping on his political enemies in the House of Representatives, or that a raised hoof on a statue signifies being injured or killed in combat? Visitors for years have been served up these fictional stories as if they were fact.

Pohl has done his research. First he presents an urban legend (33 of them in the book), then dissects them based on the historical record. Some prove to be true, but most prove to be glorified or downright made up. Well written and an entertaining read, the book reminded me of James Loewen's "Lies My Teacher Told Me," only focusing on the legends of Washington, D.C.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent, fair-minded collection of true stories and debunkings of urban legends and historical folklore. I grew up in and still live in the D.C. area and have heard many of the tales before, and Pool does a great job break g the stories down. From Taft getting stuck in a bathtub to the lack of a metro stop in Georgetown, he really tries to find the original source of the legend and get to the true story.

My only complaint is that his writing style is a bit dry for my taste. Some of the stories are pretty out there and a little humor would have gone a long way. Still, though , a nice collection for tourists and residents alike.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the format. First the author stated the legend or lore. Next, he stated facts that disproved or partially proved the legend or lore. I learnt allot about Washington, in a format that was fun. A good friend, Kristee, gave my son, Sean & I this book. Thank you very much! Loved it!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The inside scoop on the urban legends of Washington, DC., why.they are legends and where they originated from.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this! Well-researched and organized. Fun!