What Is the Site of Rhodes’ Tavern?
All that’s left is a pair of plaques on the side of the Metropolitan Square office building!
What Makes It Historical?
In 1801, William Rhodes leased a building at this corner to open a hotel, and for the first four years of its existence, it was known as Rhodes’ Tavern! Right from the get-go, this was an important gathering spot in the brand new capital city, and in its first year alone, the tavern was a town hall where locals petitioned (and failed) to get representation in Congress and the polling place for the second ward in the District’s first municipal election on June 7, 1802! After Mr. Rhodes’ time, it was a boarding house (1807 – 1814), a bank (1814 – 1845), the Washington Stock Exchange (1881 – 1884), and the National Press Club (1909 – 1914)!
Even though Rhodes’ Tavern was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, the United States Commission of Fine Arts recommended that it should be demolished as the shortest building on the block! The D.C. Superior Court issued an injunction, the Court of Appeals countered the injunction, and the Supreme Court declined to hear it any further. So, Rhodes’ Tavern was taken down on September 10, 1984. A plaque commemorating this historic spot has only been here sine 1999!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the DC History Center!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
15th Street and F St NW
Washington, DC 20229
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!