Federal Government Building

Title

Federal Government Building

Description

One of the first office buildings in Washington, this building initially housed the Departments of State, War, and the Navy, as well as the Patent Office, the General and City Post Offices, and the offices of the Superintendent and Surveyor of the City. By 1814, only the Departments of State, War, and the Navy remained, but they were temporarily relocated when the building was damaged by British forces during the War of 1812. In 1816, all three departments returned to a renovated office building, although the Department of State moved in 1819. The Department of the Navy continued to occupy the building until it was demolished in 1884.

Creator

Leonard Harbaugh

James Hoban

Date

1801 (constructed)

1814 (burned)

1816 (rebuilt)

1884 (demolished)

Source

Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. View original.

Coverage

1800-1829

1860-1889

Theme

ghost mall

work & play