Judiciary Square in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Senator Daniel Webster
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2022
"Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable,"
Senator Daniel Webster, January 1830
Senator Daniel Webster, eloquent advocate for the preservation of the Union and a political giant in pre-Civil War America, lived and worked here. His home and office buildings, now demolished, were similar to the two surviving pre-Civil War buildings alongside this sign. Wester's buildings began where the ally is today, stretching to the west. In the mid-19th century this was a fashionable neighborhood of fine homes and magnificent churches within easy walking distance to the Capitol and near Washington’s City Hall/Courthouse.
Webster's unmatched speaking ability helped bring about the Compromise of 1850. The compromise helped delay the Civil War for about ten years and ended the notorious slave trade in District of Columbia. But at the same time strengthened the fugitive slave law that compelled citizens to help capture and return individuals fleeing slavery.
In 1850, at 69 years of age and near the end of his life, Webster made his last great speech on the floor of the Senate in defense of the Union. He filled the galleries with spectators, many of whom were Washingtonians who regularly attended the entertaining and educational congressional debates. Webster likely developed his arguments here in his office.
Among the dignitaries who lived nearby were Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, John C. Calhoun, vice president under President John Quincy Adams; and Salmon P. Chase, President Lincoln’s secretary of the Treasury. President Lincoln attended the wedding of Kate Chase in the family home at Sixth and D Streets, now demolished. Lincoln attended the wedding of Chase's daughter Kate at the family home at Sixth and E Streets, now demolished.
In Webster's day, the First Unitarian Church of Washington stood at the corner of Sixth and D. The Unitarians were among the city's loudest anti-slavery voices. When they tolled the church bell endlessly the day abolitionist John Brown was executed in 1859, the city ordered the bell silenced for good. The former Recorder of Deeds building now occupies the church site.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number e.3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Churches & Religion • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Downtown Heritage Trail, and the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1830.
Location. 38° 53.69′
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2022
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Daniel Webster (here, next to this marker); DC Recorder of Deeds Building / WPA Era Murals (a few steps from this marker); Ending Slavery in Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sitting in Judgment (about 400 feet away); Old City Hall (about 400 feet away); Old City Hall and District of Columbia Court House (about 500 feet away); A Courthouse Reborn (about 600 feet away); Washington City Spring (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2022, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.