Black Chamber, Cryptanalytic office in Manhattan, United States.
The Black Chamber operated from brownstone buildings on 37th and 38th Streets, processing intercepted diplomatic communications from multiple nations.
Herbert Yardley established this intelligence organization in 1919, focusing on decoding foreign messages during the aftermath of World War I.
The office marked the beginning of organized peacetime cryptanalysis in the United States, setting standards for future intelligence operations.
Agents at the Black Chamber developed methods to decrypt messages found in diplomatic cables, telegraph communications, and written correspondence.
The organization maintained direct partnerships with telegraph companies, gaining access to foreign embassy communications through Western Union services.
Inception: 1919
GPS coordinates: 40.75391,-73.97721
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:52
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