1847 - Smithsonian Institution Building - Washington DC
N 38° 53.340 W 077° 01.562
18S E 324280 N 4306409
A landmark on the National Mall in Washington DC, the Smithsonian Institution Building, better known as "The Castle", houses the administrative offices and Information Center for the Smithsonian Institution. It was built from 1847-1857.
Waymark Code: WM6KDW
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 06/14/2009
Views: 35
James Smithson, an English chemist and mineralogist who had never visited the United States, willed his large estate to the United States to create an "Establishment for the increase & diffusion of Knowledge among men". The Smithsonian Institute was created by an act of Congress in 1846.
The design by James Renwick, Jr. was selected for the first building for the Smithsonian because it was felt that it best incorporated the many uses intended for the building - museum, lecture hall, library, laboratory and offices.
The distinctive building, better known as "the Castle", was built of red sandstone in the Medieval Revival Style.
The building still houses the Smithsonian administrative offices. The Great Hall on the first floor has shops and exhibit space.
A photo of the Castle in 1855 from the Smithsonian Archives: (
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