The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Original Smithsonian Institution Building
Erected 1847-57. Designed by James Renwick, Jr. in twelfth century Romanesque style for the first offices, research laboratories, exhibits, collections, and lectures of the Smithsonian Institution. Dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Forts and Castles • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 38° 53.331′ N, 77° 1.556′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is on Jefferson Drive Southwest east of 12th Street Southwest, on the right when traveling east. Marker is low on the east side of the building's north face. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Jefferson Drive Southwest, Washington DC 20560, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joseph Henry (within shouting distance of this marker); "Nature is my religion." (within shouting distance of this marker); Threats to Coral Reefs (within shouting distance of this marker); Enid A. Haupt Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Ralph Rinzler (within shouting distance of this marker); Voyage (within shouting distance of this marker); Built above an underground museum complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Pluto (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Smithsonian Institution Building. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on August 23, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Website homepage (Submitted on August 23, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. James Smithson - Founding Donor. Smithsonian Institution Archives (Submitted on August 23, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
4. James Renwick, Jr. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on August 27, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. National Register of Historic Places:
Smithsonian Building *** (added 1966 - - #66000867)
Also known as Smithsonian Institution Building
Jefferson Dr. at 10th St., SW , Washington
• Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
• Architect, builder, or engineer: Renwick,James
• Architectural Style: Other
• Area of Significance: Science, Invention, Architecture
• Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1850-1874
• Owner: Federal
• Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
• Historic Sub-function: Museum, Organizational
• Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
• Current Sub-function: Museum, Organizational
Statement of Significance (as of designation - January 12, 1965):
Designed by James Renwick and erected between 1847 and 1855, this is the finest remaining example of Norman Revival civil architecture in the country. Constructed of red Seneca sandstone, it was built to house the Smithsonian Institution, established by the generous bequest of James Smithson, English scientist and illegitimate son of the Duke of Northumberland, and chartered by Act of Congress in 1846.
— Submitted August 22, 2011.
Additional keywords. The Castle; James Smithson; Ralph Rinzler; Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,077 times since then and 58 times this year. Last updated on August 23, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4. submitted on December 3, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 23, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.