Josephus Daniels House

The Josephus Daniels House is a residential building in Raleigh constructed in 1920 located on Caswell Street with a distinctive U-shaped floor plan featuring a central rectangular main section. Two wing structures extend from the rear of the primary block, creating additional spaces within the overall design.

The house was built in 1920 for Josephus Daniels, who served as Secretary of the Navy and lived there until his death in 1948. Following his tenure, Freemasons acquired the property and adapted the building to suit their organizational needs and community meetings.

The house displays Neoclassical design elements including a four-column front portico with decorative capitals and ornate iron railings on the upper level. These features define the building's appearance and make it visually distinctive from other residences in the neighborhood.

The building is easily visible from the street and situated in an active neighborhood with sidewalks and standard street access. Keep in mind that this is a private property, so viewing is limited to the exterior from public spaces.

A naval gun that was originally placed in the front yard became the source of a local nickname for the property as the world's smallest naval base. This unusual feature from the original owner's time has remained part of the building's local folklore and identity.