Benjamin Ogle Tayloe House, Federal mansion in Lafayette Square, United States
The Benjamin Ogle Tayloe House is a two-story Federal brick residence located at 21 Madison Place NW, positioned directly across from the White House and adjacent government buildings. The structure maintains classical architectural details and forms part of a larger federal courthouse complex while retaining its historic status and original facade.
The building was constructed in 1828 as a private residence for a prominent Washington family and served as a cultural center during the 19th century. In the early 1900s it became headquarters for the women's suffrage movement before eventually being incorporated into a federal courthouse complex.
The residence served as a center for art lovers and collectors who gathered to view the extensive collection of paintings and sculptures displayed within its rooms. This artistic appeal made it a notable destination for those interested in fine art during the 19th century.
The property is easily accessible on foot from downtown Washington and sits prominently along Madison Place, making it straightforward to locate and view from the street. The interior is not open to the public as the building serves official government functions, but the historic exterior can be observed clearly from the pedestrian area.
Congress considered making this building the official residence of the Vice President in 1896, but the proposal died when the House failed to approve it. This near-miss reveals how close the property came to taking on a completely different role in American government.
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