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When you hear the word “Watergate,” the first thing that likely pops into your head is the infamous scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon in 1974. But have you ever wondered how the name “Watergate” came to be?

In 2025’s first episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax wades into D.C.’s canal system to explore the fascinating backstory behind the actual Water Gate that inspired the hotel’s name.

Check out Matt’s video about this humble wooden structure and its place in D.C. history.

Hear “Matt About Town” first every Tuesday and Thursday on 103.5 FM. 

If you have a story idea you’d like Matt to cover, email him, or chat with him on Instagram and TikTok.

Check out all “Matt About Town” episodes here.