Existing comment:
Beginnings: 1800-1902:
The Wilson Building stands on square 255 as designated by the city's original plan. Among the early owners of the lots on this square were several eminent Washingtonians, including Benjamin Stoddard, the first Secretary of the Navy. Various structures stood here before the District (later renamed the Wilson) Building was built.
During the 1820s, a prominent Washington family, the Nailors, established a stable along the D Street side of square 255. Eventually, their stables occupied most lots on the site. On the northwest corner, another stable services an adjacent hotel operated by James Maher. For such a prominent location, stables were unsightly.
During the 1850s, a three-story brick building housing a bindery went up on the site, facing E Street. Subsequently, the Capital Traction Company built a streetcar powerhouse on the square. Fire destroyed the power plant on September 29, 1897, and the site was abandoned for five years.
On June 6, 1902, Congress passed the Public Building Act, which appropriated $550,000 to acquire square 255. The act also authorized the construction of what would be called the District Building, with the cost not to exceed $1.5 million.
"Occupying a position midway between the White House and the Capitol, situated at the point of convergence of wide avenues, located in the very center of business activity... the site selected would give the District building and to the municipality it represents a distinction and a dignity all its own."
-- Report of the Senate Committee on the District of Columbia on the improvement of the Park System of the District of Columbia, 1902.
Chronology:
1902:
Congress enacts legislation acquiring Square 255 and authorizing construction of a permanent seat of government for the District of Columbia (June 6).
1908:
District (Wilson) Building is dedicated. Speakers and guests include Speaker of the US House of Representatives and Mayors of Baltimore and Richmond. Declaration of Independence is read by the Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia. Thousands attend the ceremony and tour the building. (July 4)
1909:
Bust of Crosby Stuart Noyes is unveiled in District (Wilson) Building. Funds are privately raised to commission the bust. Noyes (1825-1908) had been the editor of The Washington Evening Star. In 1888, Noyes persuaded the US Senate for the first time ever to draft and consider a proposal to give DC voting representation in both the US House and Senate. Throughout his life, Noyes advocated voting rights for residents of the District of Columbia. (February 25) |