Federal Triangle in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Completing the Triangle
Make No Little Plans
Federal Triangle Heritage Trail
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 2, 2012
1. Completing the Triangle Marker
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center honoring the 40th president, filled the last open space in the Federal Triangle. When former First Lady Nancy Reagan dedicated it in 1998, the redevelopment of this area of Pennsylvania Avenue, begun by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, was complete. The Reagan Building's 3.1 million square feet of space make it the second-largest federal building. Only the Pentagon is larger.
The only Federal Triangle building with both private and government offices houses the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Customs Service. James Ingo Freed of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, New York, designed the limestone exterior as a modern re-working of its neighbors' neoclassical style. The public is encouraged to explore this landmark building featuring a contemporary soaring atrium; conference, exhibit, and event spaces; and a tribute to President Reagan.
Planners of the Federal Triangle originally envisioned a "Great Plaza" here, designed as a formal French garden. However as the Federal
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In 1947 President Harry S Truman dedicated a memorial here to diplomat and former Secretary of Commerce Oscar S. Straus (1850-1926). Appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt, Straus was the first Jewish cabinet member. Visible behind you on the plaza, the privately funded memorial by Adolph Weinman displays two cast-bronze sculptures: Liberty of Worship and The Voice of Reason.
Erected 2012 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Federal Triangle Heritage Trail, the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt, the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman, the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #40 Ronald Reagan series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1998.
Location. 38° 53.6′ N, 77° 1.9′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Federal Triangle.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 2, 2012
2. Back of Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. To the Memory of Oscar S. Straus (within shouting distance of this marker); The Division (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Open For Business (about 400 feet away); From Workers to Environment (about 500 feet away); How Mushrooms Help Us (about 600 feet away); Flags of the World (about 600 feet away); Arts and Artists (about 700 feet away); Original Patentees Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, September 5, 2016
3. Completing the Triangle Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 2, 2012
4. 14th Street Entrance to the Reagan Building
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 2, 2012
5. Liberty of Worship
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 2, 2012
6. Voice of Reason
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 619 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 6, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 9, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 10, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 9, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
