State, War, and Navy Building
Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia
Marker Inscription
State, War, and Navy Building has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935. This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States.
The Story
This ornate French Second Empire building beside the White House rose between 1871 and 1888 to house the State, War, and Navy departments under one roof. For decades it was the command center of American diplomacy and defense, its granite halls witnessing generations of national decisions.
Why it matters
It stood at the heart of America's foreign policy and military administration during the nation's rise as a world power.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Renwick Gallerynearby · 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
- The People’s Housenearby · 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
- Decatur Carriage Housenearby
- Decatur House0.1 mi away · 1610 H Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- Dacor Bacon House Museum0.2 mi away · 1801 F Street Northwest
- Octagon House0.2 mi away · 1799 New York Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Attractions
- White House Peace Vigil0.1 mi away
- Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain0.2 mi away
- Lockkeeper's House0.5 mi away · DC
- Almas Temple0.5 mi away · 1315 K Street Northwest
- World War II Memorial0.6 mi away · 1964 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC
- Washington Monument0.7 mi away · 2 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Food & drink
- Peet's Coffeenearby · 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
- M.E. Swing Coffee Roastersnearby · 1702 G Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- Naan & Beyondnearby · 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
- Starbucksnearby · 1730 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
- Ellipse Cafe0.1 mi away · 616 17th Street Northwest
- Chopt0.1 mi away
Places to stay
- AKA White House0.1 mi away · 1710 H Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- Hay-Adams Hotel0.2 mi away · 800 16th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- Club Quarters0.2 mi away · 839 17th Street Northwest
- Hampton0.2 mi away · 1729 H Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- The St. Regis Washington, D.C.0.3 mi away · 923 16th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
- Sofitel Lafayette Square0.3 mi away · 806 15th Street Northwest
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Themes & tags
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