Carbery House: Famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe lived at this historic residence on Capitol Hill for a short time.

The Carbery House was originally designed in the Federal style and completed in 1803, and was most likely a five-bay house. This can be seen in the symmetry of the original front and side elevations, as well as the elegant entrance with a semicircular fanlight, sidelights, and paneled wood door.

The house was built by Robert Alexander (1781-1811), who listed it as his address as early as 1804 when he served on the Third City Council. Alexander was an architect and contractor and was instrumental in the 1807 design of nearby Christ Church at 620 G Street SE. He worked closely with architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who served as Surveyor of Public Buildings of the United States and was instrumental in construction projects at the Navy Yard.

Later, in 1807, Latrobe designed a Greek Revival style Customs House for the Treasury Department in New Orleans. Not only did Latrobe help steer the contract to Alexander, but he also rented 423 6th Street SE from Alexander when Alexander left to oversee the project. However, the New Orleans project was ill-fated. Alexander succumbed to Yellow Fever in 1811 and the Customs House was demolished by 1819. The Carbery House's three-story tower addition, which dominates the facade, was built in 1889. Other additions include a two-story brick extension off the west end and a one-story front porch. 

The house’s namesake is James Carbery (1793-1851). He owned the house from 1833 until his heirs sold it in 1881. Carbery was a naval architect, an Inspector of the Timber at the Navy Yard, an original member of St. Peter’s Church, and a local legislator from 1826 to 1839.

DC Inventory: November 8, 1964 (Joint Committee on Landmarks)

Within Capitol Hill Historic District