Butler Building

The Butler Building is a government office structure in Washington, D.C. located near the US Capitol. Its facade is constructed from Mount Airy granite with bronze and glass elements that create a formal appearance.

The structure was built in 1874 and served as headquarters for the US Marine Hospital Service and Public Health Service beginning in 1891. This purpose continued until 1929 and shaped the building's role in the city's administrative functions.

President Chester A. Arthur temporarily occupied the building while the White House underwent renovations, residing in a unit rented by Senator John P. Jones.

The building contained three separate units including a specialized fireproof storage area and two residential spaces that were later converted into offices. Visitors can observe the different room configurations that reflect how the structure adapted to changing needs over time.

The foundation of the structure extends 9 meters (30 feet) below street level and is constructed with granite from Massachusetts. This exceptional depth and the use of material from across the country give the building an unusual engineering feature that few visitors notice.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1874

GPS coordinates: 38.88730,-77.00850

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04