Fort McNair in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Building 20, Grant Hall
Photographed By Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013
1. Building 20, Grant Hall Marker
Inscription.
Building 20, Grant Hall. . In 1829, the Federal Penitentiary was built on this site. Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the Architect of the Capitol, the Penitentiary was influenced by the prison reform movement of the 1820s. In 1831, an eastern extension to the building added a women's ward and quarters for the deputy warden. The Deputy Warden's Quarters is all that remains of the original structures. The center of national attention in 1865, this part of the building became the site of the trial and sentencing of those implicated in the assassination of President Lincoln. Four conspirators were sentenced to die, including the first woman executed by Federal order, Mary Surratt. The gallows were constructed in the Penitentiary Courtyard and the executions took place July 7, 1865.
In 1829, the Federal Penitentiary was built on this site. Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the Architect of the Capitol, the Penitentiary was influenced by the prison reform movement of the 1820s. In 1831, an eastern extension to the building added a women's ward and quarters for the deputy warden. The Deputy Warden's Quarters is all that remains of the original structures. The center of national attention in 1865, this part of the building became the site of the trial and sentencing of those implicated in the assassination of President Lincoln. Four conspirators were sentenced to die, including the first woman executed by Federal order, Mary Surratt. The gallows were constructed in the Penitentiary Courtyard and the executions took place July 7, 1865.
Erected 2013.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 7, 1865.
Location. 38° 52.01′ N, 77° 1.04′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Fort McNair. Marker can be reached from 2nd Avenue north of C Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is at the west entrance to Grant
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Hall, which is on Fort McNair -- a military post normally closed to the public. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20319, United States of America. Touch for directions.
4. Dedication ceremony for renovation of Grant Hall
Photographed By Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013
5. Entrance to Grant Hall
Photographed By Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013
6. Reconstructed courtroom
Photographed By Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013
7. Building 20, Grant Hall looking from the southeast
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,340 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 30, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. 5. submitted on May 1, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. 6. submitted on April 30, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. 7. submitted on May 1, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.