Exploring the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874 – A Look Back at History
Take a step back in time and explore the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874. See the horse-drawn carriages, the storefronts, and the signs as captured in this historic photograph taken by William Henry Holmes.
We are loving the Smithsonian Archives! This is a great one from 1874.
Looking south from the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 11th Street, the silhouette of the Smithsonian Institution Building is seen in the distance. The photograph, taken by William Henry Holmes and signed “W.H.H. Phot.,” shows horse-drawn carriages along the avenue of storefronts. Above the first building to the right of 11th Street, the sign reads “Latimer & Cleary Auction and Commission Merchants”, the next building has a sign “Star Buildings,” and the third building “Metropolitan.”
