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. 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.

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It 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 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.

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 North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: General Ulysses S. Grant, USA (a few steps from this marker); Lincoln Assassination Trial (within shouting distance of this marker); Women War Workers 1861 - 1865 (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walter Reed 1851 - 1902 (approx. ¼ mile away); Walter Reed (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Beauty of Buzzard Point (approx. 0.4 miles away); Titanic Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Housing Reform and the Syphax School

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013

2. Building 20, Grant Hall Marker

(approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Military Education at Fort McNair (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Grant Hall renovations complete. (Submitted on April 30, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia.)
2. website with historic sites on Fort McNair. (Submitted on May 1, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia.)

Plaque for Gen. Ulysses S. Grant image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013

3. Plaque for Gen. Ulysses S. Grant

Dedication ceremony for renovation of Grant Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013

4. Dedication ceremony for renovation of Grant Hall

Entrance to Grant Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013

5. Entrance to Grant Hall

Reconstructed courtroom image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, April 3, 2013

6. Reconstructed courtroom

Building 20, Grant Hall looking from the southeast image. Click for full size.

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 2,241 times since then and 49 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.