Downtown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Downtown Washington, 1801
This painting is based on the little-known 1801 watercolor "President House" by J. Benford, part of The White House art collection.
Some art historians claim the large building on the right is not the White House, but Blodgett's Hotel, which was built in 1793 at Eighth and E Sts,, NW. Interestingly, Blodgett's Hotel and the White House were both designed in the Anglo-Palladian style by Irish-born architect James Hoban, and would have looked alike.
The building on the left is thought to be the first Treasury building on 15th St., built in 1799. The building in the middle was the Rhodes Tavern, located at 15th and F Sts., NW, also built in 1799. Together these buildings were three of the earliest found in the original capital city.
Erected 2009 by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the DC, Art on Call series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1801.
Location. 38° 53.934′ N, 77° 2.026′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Fortress of Finance: The US Treasury Building (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Department of the Treasury (within shouting distance of this marker); Albert Gallatin (within shouting distance of this marker); W. D. Boyce 1858 - 1929 (within shouting distance of this marker); Webster-Ashburton Treaty (within shouting distance of this marker); Melvin Jones (within shouting distance of this marker); The Inaugural Parade Tradition (within shouting distance of this marker); Ballington and Maud Booth (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 16, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
