Mar
19

March 19, 1847

Smithsonian Institution Building 1858

South facade of the Smithsonian Institution Building (SIB), the "Castle," after completion, c. 1858-1864, is dominated by a massive, square battlemented central tower with an attached octagonal stair tower rising well above it. Constructed in red sandstone quarried in Seneca, Maryland, the building was unique not only in style but in material. There is a fence around the building.

The contract for construction of the Smithsonian Institution Building is awarded to James Dixon and Gilbert Cameron. The contract stipulates that work be completed in five years, however, the building is not completed until 1855.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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Posted: 19 March 2012
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