In 1897, a fire broke out at the powerhouse, forcing the Capitol Traction Company to cease operations. Cable cars were replaced with horses and wagons for the day. Streetcars operated the next day. This streetcar was built in 1898 by the American Car Company in Missouri. It served in Washington, DC, on Seventh Street. They fixed up the electricity and proceeded to order replacement cars. The orders were approved, and this streetcar was purchased from American Car Company in Missouri and was numbered 303. The American Car Company was responsible for paint schemes on the exterior and the roster numbers for which the streetcars would serve. This streetcar pulled trailers, which were also numbered. In 1905, changes were made due to new regulations mandated by the District of Columbia Electric Railway Commission regarding enclosed platforms. In 1906, the Capital Traction Company renumbered its streetcars. In 1912, A new mandate regarding how a conductor was required on streetcars was made by the District of Columbia Public Utilities Commission. So, the Capital Traction Company withdrew all its single-truck streetcars and trailers with Presidents' Conference Committee streetcars. While the majority of the single-truck streetcars were sold, Cars 303 and 522 were still in storage. Today, Car 303 is on display in the transportation exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.