Judiciary Square in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Senator Daniel Webster
Civil War to Civil Rights
— Downtown Heritage Trail —
"Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable,"
Senator Daniel Webster, January 1830
Senator Daniel Webster, eloquent advocate for the preservation of the Union and a political giant in pre-Civil War America, lived and worked in buildings that occupied part of the empty space near this sign. They were similar to the two surviving pre-Civil War structures immediately to the right of the space. In the mid-19th century, this was a fashionable neighborhood of fine homes and magnificent churches within easy walking distance to the Capitol and near Washington’s City Hall.
Webster put his unmatched oratorical skills to work in support of the Compromise of 1850–a series of Congressional acts that delayed the fracture of the Union for about ten years. The compromise ended the slave trade in District of Columbia, but at the same time strengthened the fugitive slave law that compelled citizens to help capture and return runaway African American slaves.
In 1850, at 69 years of age and near the end of his life, Webster made his last great speech on the floor of the Senate in defense of the Union. The galleries were crowded with spectators. Spirited debates in Congress were a high point in the city’s political and social life. Since Webster had his office in his home, as was the custom of the day, it is all but certain that he developed his arguments here.
This neighborhood was home to many dignitaries, including Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, General and Mrs. John Fremont, Vice President John C. Calhoun, and Lincoln’s Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase. President Lincoln attended the wedding of Kate Chase in the family home at Sixth and D Streets, now demolished. Today’s Recorder of Deeds building is located nearby at the corner of Sixth and D Streets. In the 1880s, the distinguished African American, Frederick Douglass held the prestigious position of recorder.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number e.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Churches & Religion • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Downtown Heritage Trail, the Former U.S. Presidents: #06 John Quincy Adams, the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 53.691′ N, 77° 1.15′ W. Marker was in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in Judiciary Square. Marker was on D Street Northwest west of 5th Street Northwest, on the right. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 503 D Street Northwest, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Senator Daniel Webster (here, next to this marker); Daniel Webster (here, next to this marker); DC Recorder of Deeds Building / WPA Era Murals (a few steps from this marker); Ending Slavery in Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sitting in Judgment (about 400 feet away); Old City Hall (about 400 feet away); Old City Hall and District of Columbia Court House (about 400 feet away); A Courthouse Reborn (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker which has slightly different text.
Additional keywords. Unitarian Universalism
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,623 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on September 24, 2021, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1. submitted on April 11, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 12, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on April 11, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4. submitted on July 1, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.