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Survey of Historic Sites and Buildings

	CITY HALL (District Court House) District of Columbia
451 Indiana Avenue NW., Washington. Judiciary Square

Ownership and Administration. District of Columbia government.

Significance. A fine example of Greek Revival architecture and one of the first public buildings in the District of Columbia, the old City Hall, now known as the District Court House, has been the scene of many legal trials of national interest. Included were those of John Suratt, one of the accused conspirators against the life of Lincoln; Charles Guiteau, the assassin of President Garfield; and the Teapot Dome Case.

in July 1820 the Washington City Council authorized the mayor to advertise in the newspapers for a design for a city hall and appointed a commission to select a site and supervise its construction. The commission selected the site of present Judiciary Square because of its convenient location. George Hadfield, one of the architects of the Capitol, won the architectural award. Laying of the cornerstone took place in August 1820, accompanied by an oration by John Law, music of the Marine Band, and gun volleys from the Navy Yard and Fort Washington.

In 1822 the main, or central, part of the building was half completed and ready for partial occupancy, though the pillared porticoes on the front and the colonnades of the two wings had not been added, the rough bricks of the walls were exposed, and the bare building stood neglected—for lack of funds. Nevertheless, the mayor and registrar moved in and the city council convened. In 1823 Congress appropriated $10,000 to complete the central portion of the building in return for space to house the U.S. circuit court. In 1826 the city completed the east wing, and in 1849 the west wing. Meanwhile, because of the city's inability to finance construction and upkeep of the building, the Federal Government began to take over additional office space and by 1871 occupied most of the building. Two years later the city transferred jurisdiction of the building to the Federal Government, which immediately undertook its completion and restoration, and in 1881 completed a north extension.

City Hall, District of Columbia, now known as the District Court House. One of the first public buildings in the District, it has been the scene of many legal trials of national interest. From a lithograph by E. Sachse and Company. Courtesy, Library of Congress.

During the period 1916-20 the Federal Government rehabilitated the building. The original architectural lines were preserved, but extensive renovation, rebuilding, and modernizing occurred. In 1920, on the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone, ceremonies were held rededicating the building as the U.S. courthouse. In the 1950's it became the national headquarters of the Selective Service System, but jurisdiction over the building recently reverted to the District of Columbia government.

Present Appearance. The three-story gray stone building, in the Greek Revival style, is E-shaped and has two wings facing south. The approaches, steps, sills, and superstructure are faced with Indiana limestone. A large portico of ten Ionic columns, supporting a stone cornice and pediment, highlights the main center entrance. The end wings feature large columned porches and cornices, set between abutting piers. The building is used today by the District of Columbia government and is a place of public business.

NHL Designation: 12/19/60