Existing comment:
South Portico, 1850:
The Patent Office Building is one of the finest examples of Greek revival architecture in the country, with porticoes modeled after the Parthenon in Athens. This 1850 photograph shows the original stairs leading to the second-floor portico with its massive Doric columns. In 1936 the steps were removed from the widening of F Street, and the current entrance at ground level was created. When funding becomes available, the stairs will be reconstructed, although in a different configuration.
The columns in the photograph are draped in black in mourning for the death of President Zachary Taylor. The room in which you are standing is under the right side of the portico. |