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The obscure backstory behind the District's most random set of stairs

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The term “Watergate” has become synonymous with the infamous political scandal that brought down former President Richard Nixon in 1974.

But have you ever thought about where the name of the Watergate Hotel came from?

In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax visits a staircase you’ve probably seen (but never really thought too much about) next to the Lincoln Memorial — as part two of his dive into Watergate’s origins.

Join Matt — and a familiar Park Ranger friend — as they sprint some steps, and explore the obscure backstory behind one of the District’s most random staircases.

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

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Step into a vault of rare texts from Shakespeare and beyond at DC’s Folger Library

Follow WTOP’s Matt Kaufax as he explores hidden gems, local landmarks and unique stories across the D.C. area every week. New episodes of WTOP’s “Matt About Town” segment are released each Tuesday and Thursday. If you venture through a maze of hallways, past layers of tight security, and cross the threshold of what looks like an old-fashioned bank safe door, you'll arrive at one of the rarest collections of books not just in the nation's capital — but in the entire known universe.
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