The Last Cab Stand in the District of Columbia…
"The last cab stand in the National Capitol. The horse cabs which formerly lined the streets have almost disappeared giving way to the motor taxi. This stand is located at McPherson Square formerly the fashionable residential section of Wash. but rapidly giving way to business houses. 10/3/.19." Taken by the National Photo Company.
Taken on October 3, 1919, this image depicts the last cab stand of horse drawn vehicles ”for hire” in Washington, D.C. As was stated in the National Photo Company caption (see above), the “Last Cab Stand” for “horse cabs” was at McPherson Square–no doubt, for the few remaining steadfast, well-to-do Washingtonians (not having left their formerly fashionable neighborhood), hanging fast to the old ways. It was common for someone who lived most of their life in the 19th century to reject modern conveniences and invention for the preservation of age-old practices, like the horse drawn taxi…
In 1917, it was reported that the last horse cab was seen in New York City–although Manhattan was always faster and further along. By this time, the terms “cab” and “taxi” had almost completely eliminated the old term “hansom cab” or just “hansom,” which was the most common name given to small, horse-drawn black cabs, open or closed, that were “for hire” in cities. After the late 1910s and early 1920s, horse drawn cabs were completely replaced by motor vehicles. Truck companies and other local businesses continued to use horse drawn conveyances through the mid-20th century. Believe it or not, this was especially common in cities. And, as those who know the place can attest, Washington is a city designed for the elegance of carriages–making the car a rather awkward addition.
In 1929, it was reported by the Washington Post that Paris had only a few horse drawn cabs in operation and that they were in such high demand that the drivers would not accommodate inconvenient routes–it was even said that these few drivers exhibited a rather snobbish demeanor!!!
