Capitol Hill in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Old Brick Capitol
[Old Capitol Prison]
— [U.S. Supreme Court Building National Historic Landmark] —
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, December 30, 2010
1. The Old Brick Capitol Marker
The cornerstone of the Old Brick Capitol
built by Washington citizens
to house the Congress
was laid on this site.
The Congress met here from December 13, 1815
through March 3, 1819.
President Monroe was inaugurated here in 1817,
establishing the custom of public inaugurations.
Erected 1950 by National Capital Sesquicentennial Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 3, 1812.
Location. 38° 53.45′ N, 77° 0.336′ W. Marker is in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Capitol Hill. Marker can be reached from 1st Street Northeast south of Maryland Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the inside of the perimeter wall surrounding the plaza west on the U.S. Supreme Court Building, at the northwest corner off the 1st Street sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 1st Street Northeast, Washington DC 20543, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United States Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Capitol Grounds (within shouting
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Old Capitol Prison. (Submitted on January 2, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Supreme Court of the United States - the Court Building (1935). (Submitted on January 2, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Old Capitol Prison; "American Bastille".
Photographed By Wikipedia
2. Old Capitol Prison/Old Brick Capitol
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, December 30, 2010
3. The Old Brick Capitol Marker
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, December 30, 2010
4. View of the U.S. Supreme Court Building
- the Old Brick Capitol Marker is located on the low wall at far left.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, December 30, 2010
5. "Equal Justice Under Law"
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, December 30, 2010
6. "Justice: the Guardian of Liberty."
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2013
7. The Old Brick Capitol
After the British burned the Capitol building in August of 1814 the Congress met in this building, until 1819. During the Civil War it became the Old Capitol Prison and housed captured Confederates and spies like Rose O'Neil Greenhow. In 1921 Alva Belmont bought it for the National Woman's Party. It was razed in 1929 and replaced by the Supreme Court Building.
Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 12, 2013
8. Deed of the Old Brick Capitol to National Woman's Party by Alva Belmont
Alva Belmont bought the Old Brick Capitol and deeded it to the National Woman's Party in 1921, the year after the 19th amendment was ratified. The New York Times referred to the building across the street from the Capitol as a “watch tower to keep close supervision of Congress and its doings.” In 1929 the Old Brick Capitol was taken by eminent domain and torn down to make way for today's Supreme Court building. The NWP moved to the nearby Sewall-Belmont House where this deed is on display.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,829 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 2, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 7, 8. submitted on October 13, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
