General Post Office, Greek Revival post office in Washington, D.C., United States
The General Post Office is a Greek Revival building that occupies an entire city block in Washington, D.C. and stands out for its marble exterior. It consists of two U-shaped structures surrounding a central courtyard and now operates as Hotel Monaco.
Robert Mills designed this monumental structure in 1839 as the first building in Washington, D.C. to feature an all-marble exterior. The structure became a turning point in the city's architecture and has remained a notable example of Greek classical design.
The building takes its name from the postal service it once housed, and its interior preserves barrel-vaulted passages and classical columns that visitors can see today. The space now functions as a hotel while maintaining these architectural features as a reminder of its government origins.
The building sits at the corner of F Street NW between 7th and 8th Streets and features prominent Corinthian columns with a raised basement level. As Hotel Monaco, the interior is accessible to visitors who can explore the architectural details across its three main floors.
During the War of 1812, officials convinced British forces to spare this building while other structures in Washington were destroyed. This rescue made it one of the few surviving buildings from that turbulent period in the city's past.
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