OLD PATENT OFFICE BUILDING
The original two buildings burned, whereupon Congress authorized the erection of a new Patent Office Building according to the designs of Robert Mills, architect. The present building was begun in 1837 and completed in 1867. Doctor Thornton was the first Commissioner. It occupies two squares, at Seventh and Ninth and F and G Streets NW., at the site where L’Enfant had indicated in his plan there should be a great national church. It is a monumental marble building, Doric in its style of architecture, and with its large pediments and columns—in design and size like those of the Parthenon—creates the impression of simple dignity and beauty that is eternal. Models of American inventions to the number of 200,000 were kept in this building until the new National Museum was built. The Patent Office has been moved into the new Department of Commerce Building. It is one of the large bureaus of the Department of Commerce.