Winder Building
The Winder Building was technologically advanced at the time it was built for government use, prior to the Civil War.
Text
At the time of its construction in 1847-1848, the Winder Building was notable for its height (which was much criticized in pre-elevator days), its early use of iron beams, and its central heating system. Designed exclusively for governmental use, the Winder Building was erected as a commercial venture by W. H. Winder, a nephew of General W. H. Winder, who commanded the American Forces at the Battle of Bladensburg in the War of 1812. The Government rented the building in 1848 for several bureaus of the Interior, Treasury, War and Navy Departments and then bought it in 1854 for $200,000.
Early in the Civil War, Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs and the Chief of Ordnance were housed in the building. The Judge Advocate General, the Office of the Commissioner for the Exchange for Prisoners, and the Bureau of Military Justice moved in after the war. Additionally, the search for the conspirators in Lincoln's assassination and their prosecutions were directed from the Winder.
DC Inventory: November 8, 1964 (Joint Committee on Landmarks)
National Register: March 24, 1969
