Freedman's Bank Building, Federal office building in Lafayette Square, Washington, United States
The Freedman's Bank Building is a federal office building at Lafayette Square featuring limestone facades and classical architectural elements on the corner of Madison Place and Pennsylvania Avenue. The Treasury Department Federal Credit Union operates its main branch within the structure.
The current structure was completed in 1919, replacing the site where Freedman's Savings Bank operated from 1865 to 1874. The original bank served as a vital financial institution for African American communities during the early years after the Civil War.
The building stands as a reminder of early efforts to provide financial opportunities for African Americans during the post-Civil War period. The location and its role represent how economic institutions once served as pathways for communities that had been excluded from wealth-building activities.
The building sits directly across from the United States Treasury Building, making it easy to locate along Pennsylvania Avenue. The surrounding area is walkable with other government buildings nearby to help with navigation and orientation.
The structure received its current name in 2016 to honor the historical importance of the original Freedman's Savings Bank institution. This naming recognizes a chapter of history that had been largely overlooked, bringing attention to the bank's role in supporting African American communities.
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