OCTAGON HOUSE
Octagon House is a beautiful example of early American architecture. It is situated at the corner of Eighteenth Street and New York Avenue NW., two blocks west of the White House, and was built in the year 1800 by Col. John Tayloe from designs by the Architect of the United States Capitol, Dr. William Thornton. It is said President Washington himself selected the site for his friend.
The building is a fine, octagonal brick structure, Georgian in design, with a central circular hall and a noteworthy staircase. The materials used in its construction, including beautiful sculptured mantels, were brought from England. Gardens surrounded it, and the old brick stables and smokehouse still close the vista from the stair landing.
The house was the center of official and social life as the home of the Tayloe family. It achieved particular distinction when used as the Executive Mansion by President Madison for more than a year after the burning of the White House by the British in 1814.
The building was later used at various times as a Government office building. The Government Hydrographic Office, with its drafting rooms, was located there, and the building was also used for storage. During the 139 years it appears to have suffered little from damage and deterioration.
OCTAGON HOUSE
The Octagon House became the home of the American Institute of Architects on January 1, 1899, through the particular efforts of Charles F. McKim, Cass Gilbert, and Frank Miles Day, former presidents of the institute, and complete ownership of the property was acquired in the year 1902.
One of its present treasures is the table on which the treaty of Ghent was signed by President Madison.