DC Court of Appeals, Judiciary Square. December 2021
Time rolls on
This neo-classical building rises on the south side of Judiciary Square. When standing between the National Gallery [see: National Gallery] and the East Wing [see: National Gallery - East Wing], one looks up a slight hill to see the building framed at the end of the street. This was the kind of Washington, DC that L'Enfant envisioned - grand views punctuated by impressive buildings. Formerly the District Building, the seat of the mayor of the District of Columbia was located here. In need of space, the District government moved to a new location and the building was taken over by a succession of entities ending with the DC Court of Appeals.
What is notable about this place since the District is filled with similar grand buildings? The original architect was George Hadfield who was also the original architect of the capitol for one. Three presidential assassination trials were held here. Additionally, the statue of Abraham Lincoln which stands in front of (or behind) the building is the very first statue dedicated to him in the country. Frederick Douglas also worked in the building as the Recorder of Deeds for the District. The building has history yet remains largely "off the grid".
For me, the building and its square were always gloriously empty and on a sunny day tempted me to photograph it. In a city that has not done well by its old buildings, the old city hall stands out as a success - at least compared to say the Carnegie Library [see: Carnegie Library] There is hope, I guess.