E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse

The E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse is a federal court building in Judiciary Square, Washington D.C., constructed from limestone and granite. It follows an H-shaped layout with eight stories in the main section and two six-story wings at 333 Constitution Avenue.

The cornerstone was laid in 1950 by President Harry S. Truman, marking a key moment in the development of the Judiciary Square complex. The site itself had its origins in the 1820s, so this building represents the long continuity of the judicial district.

The courthouse displays a streamlined classical approach with clean lines instead of ornate details, reflecting how federal design shifted after World War II. Visitors see here how government architecture moved toward plainer, more purposeful forms.

The building has separate entrances and circulation paths for judges, lawyers, jurors, and media representatives to serve different functions. It operates from 8 AM to 5 PM with multiple entry points available throughout the day.

Within this building sits the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, a specialized tribunal that rules on electronic surveillance requests across the nation. This court makes significant decisions affecting national security matters, yet remains largely invisible to most visitors.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1949

Architectural style: Stripped Classicism

Website: https://dcd.uscourts.gov/courthouse-history

GPS coordinates: 38.89298,-77.01630

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41