As the seat of the Union at the intersection of the North and the South, Washington D.C. played a pivotal role in the Civil War. Throughout the progression of the conflict, D.C. constructed numerous fort sites around the city center to protect the…

In 1898, the Spanish-American War exposed the U.S. military's weaknesses through uncoordinated Army units and internal issues of communication. Despite America's ultimate victory, Secretary of War Elihu Root and President Theodore Roosevelt called…

Built between 1882 and 1887, the Pension Building now houses the National Building Museum and is significant for both its architecture and place in the nation’s history. The Pension Building was designed by Army Quartermaster General Montgomery C.…

The State, War, and Navy Building was built just west of the White House between 1871 and 1888, based on designs by architect Alfred B. Mullett. Like the Greek Revival Treasury Building to the east in ground plan, the Second Empire version of French…

The site, which contains Lincoln Cottage (President Lincoln and Soldiers’ Home National Monument), was built as a private country residence known as Corn Rigs between 1842 and 1843. Subsequently, the site has served as a retreat for at least four…

The original National Observatory was authorized by President Tyler in 1842 and completed in 1844 according to plans prepared by Lieutenant James Melville Gilliss. The observatory was the site of notable advances in astronomy and mathematics, and is…

The United States Gundelo Philadelphia is the only surviving gunboat built and manned by American forces during the Revolutionary War. Further, the vessel is one of the 15 small craft with which Benedict Arnold fought 29 British vessels in the…