The Living City Washington DC

The Capitol of the United States, but a surprisingly "small town" within its borders.

Last Update : April 11, 2019

Spring in DC

Capitol Dome

Ionic Columns

Inside the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

Inside the arboretum, National Gallery of Art

Newseum Washington DC April 2019. Below, Newseum 2008

The "Castle" at the Smithsonian on the National Mall

Memorial Bridge

Statue of General Comte de Rochambeaum

Lafayette Park at the White House Washington DC

Detail female figure with sword

Cannon House Office Building

Cannon House Office Building
27 Independence Ave., SE. Washington DC 20003

The Cannon Office Building is named after the Speaker of the House, Speaker Joseph Gurney Cannon (1836-1926). The building was originally simply titled "House Office Building." It was built between 1905 and 1908, with additions made in 1913 and a renovation in 1932.

Speaker Joseph Cannon was one of the members of Congress who fought against the Lincoln Memorial being placed so near the Potomac River (in an area that was then known only as West Potomac Park) because it was still quite swampy and malaria from mosquitos was a very real fear. It was during this time period that the remaining swamp areas (approximate to where the Roosevelt Bridge is today,) were being drained and filled in. At that time, these spaces were considered remote and still wild.

John Carrére was the lead designer on the Cannon Building, and heavily utilized Vermont Marble. It is classified as being the the Beaux-arts style and is the more lauded design compared to the neighboring Longworth and Rayburn buildings.

Escalator

National Mall Metro

Inside the Renwick Gallery 2008

July 2008

A Walking Tour of the Georgetown Set