Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Amazingly Detailed Photo of Treasury Department in 1860

Take a look at this amazing photograph from 1860. You’re looking across 15th St. where Pennsylvania Ave. turns to cross in front of the building and the White House.

Click on it for some incredible detail. You’ll love this one.

Department of Treasury in 1860

Department of Treasury in 1860

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Ghosts of DC is a blog about the history of Washington, D.C. and its surroundings. We live in a great city, and it's important for everyone to know a little more about their communities, neighborhoods and city.
  • Dougl

    The facade looks to be one facing the White House. That would make this perspective (unless it’s a mirror image) from the north across Pennsylvania, before the north facade was complete? Alternatively, this could be the building currently occupied by the second empire Old Executive Office Building, from the south.

  • Dougl

    Confirming from other photographs, this indeed is a view from Pennsylvania Avenue facing to the southeast, showing to the right the facade facing the White House. Though the Treasury was begun in 1836, the north part was occupied by the old Dep’t of State building; this photograph was taken just after they demolished State and begun completing the north facade – the northwest part is already complete here. The buildings across 15th street can be seen in the background.

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