The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Shifting Foundations
National Mall and Memorial Parks, Lincoln Memorial
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
The Lockkeeper's House has stood for over 175 years, but it hasn't always stood right here. The original location of the house blocked traffic after 17th Street was built, so it was moved in 1915. In its original location, the house was built onto a slope and had three stories.
The first time it moved, the lower level was left behind and buried under 17th Street. The house moved to its current location in 2017 to ensure its preservation. Two outlines in the sidewalk in front of you show the past locations of the house.
Why is it important to protect historic buildings?
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 38° 53.513′ N, 77° 2.381′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. It is at the intersection of 17th Street Northwest and Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling south on 17th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 159 17th St NW, Washington DC 20006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Canal Connection (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
