The Reports of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia 1874-1929 comprise 198 volumes compiled by numerous D.C. government offices, which provide unique, comprehensive, and detailed information about DC government and life during that period.

The reports in this collection have been digitized from microfilm. Annual reports missing from the library’s collection include 1900, Volume 2 and 1903 Volumes 1, 2, and 3. The reports include many statistical charts, maps, and other illustrations and diagrams. Many of the maps were not unfolded when originally photographed for microfilm, however original copies of the volumes and their maps may be available for research in DCPL Special Collections. Bound Commissioners Reports from the 1930s to the 1960s are available in the Washingtoniana reading room.

In addition to the Commissioners’ annual reports, this collection also includes an 1876 report on U.S. government collections at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, the very first worlds’ fair, and the 1876 expenses of the United States War Department.