Federal Triangle in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
G-Men and G-Women
Make No Little Plans
— Federal Triangle Heritage Trail —
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is headquartered across Pennsylvania Avenue from this spot. Thanks to popular media, it may be one of the better-known government agencies. Since the 1930s Hollywood has found great stories among the "G-men" (government agents). The FBI often cooperates in these productions.
The FBI was established in 1908 as the Justice Department's detective unit. Its agents investigated allegations of investment fraud, opium smuggling, munitions trafficking, and other federal crimes. The agency's power increased during national security crisis and as it brought mob figures and other violent criminals to justice. Under the half-century directorship of native Washingtonian J. Edgar Hoover, the bureau grew in responsibility and helped professionalize modern law enforcement, emphasizing scientific analysis. Drawing on a century of experience, the modern FBI protects the nation against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, enforces U.S. criminal laws, and provides leadership for the nation's law enforcement organizations.
Formerly housed in the Department of Justice building to your left, the FBI relocated across the street in 1975. Designed by Charles F. Murphy, the building's modern brutalist style (from the French "Béton brut," or raw concrete) contrasts with the earlier buildings of Federal Triangle.
On this corner you can see the Justice Department's classically inspired Art Deco style night doors, torchares (light fixtures), and other decorative aluminum features. High above the doors is a colorful mosaic ceiling by local artist/craftsman John Joseph Earley.
Looking to your left along 10th Street, you can see the continuation of the city's street plan as Federal Triangle buildings frame the view to the National Museum of Natural History.
Erected 2012 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco, and the Federal Triangle Heritage Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 38° 53.646′ N, 77° 1.551′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Federal Triangle. Marker is at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest and 10th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east on Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20530, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. This memorial tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Pennsylvania Avenue (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Permanence and Grandeur: Building the Federal Triangle (about 300 feet away); Statue of Benjamin Franklin (about 600 feet away); Preserving the Past (about 600 feet away); Equal Justice Under the Law (about 600 feet away); In Memory of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (about 700 feet away); Welcome Aboard! (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
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 547 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 6, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 25, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.