Confederate Memorial Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Confederate Memorial Hall(former name) |
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 Confederate Memorial Hall, with flag, in 1997
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| Alternative names | Confederate Embassy |
| General information | |
| Status | Closed and building sold to pay fines. Converted into four apartments. |
| Type | Brownstone townhouse |
| Address | 1322 Vermont Avenue |
| Town or city | Washington, D.C. |
| Coordinates | 32°54′32″N 77°01′51″W / 32.9089°N 77.0308°W |
| Completed | 1885 |
| Inaugurated | 1907 |
| Closed | 1997 |
| Cost | $3,900,000 (2014 transaction) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 4 floors + finished basement |
| Floor area | 9,880 square feet (918 m2) |
| Grounds | 4,356 square feet (404.7 m2) |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 25, including 11 bedrooms |
| Parking | carport |
The Confederate Memorial Hall was a special building in Washington, D.C. It was once a museum, a library, and a social club. People sometimes called it the "Confederate Embassy." The building, a brownstone townhouse, is located at 1322 Vermont Avenue NW, near Logan Circle. In 1997, it stopped being a public hall and became a private home.
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About the Confederate Memorial Hall
The building first opened in 1907 as the Confederate Memorial Home. It was a place for veterans of the American Civil War to live and gather. By 1919, many years after the war ended, there were fewer veterans. So, the building changed into the Confederate Memorial Hall. It became a library and museum. It also served as a social place for white politicians from the Southern states.
Events and Gatherings at the Hall
Many different groups used the Hall for events.
- In 1909, the United Sons of Confederate Veterans held a musical event there.
- The Children of the Confederacy hosted gatherings in 1913.
- Women's groups, like the United Daughters of the Confederacy, held concerts and receptions.
- In 1917, there was an open house for veterans visiting Arlington National Cemetery.
What Was Inside the Hall?
The Hall displayed many items related to the Civil War.
- There were oil paintings of important figures like Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee.
- Visitors could see a marble statue of General Robert E. Lee.
- The Hall also had furniture that once belonged to famous generals.
- Several battle flags were on display, including the First National Flag of the Confederacy. This flag flew during the siege of Atlanta.
- The library held over 1,000 books about the Civil War.
- There was a collection of musical instruments from the Civil War era. Sometimes, small concerts of music from that time were performed.
Changes Over Time
During the 1960s and 1970s, the Hall faced difficulties. Fewer people were involved with the organization. The building started to fall into disrepair. A man named John Edward Hurley, whose father was a member, stepped in to help. He used some of his own money to help fix up the building.
Activities and Community
As the 20th century ended, the Confederate Memorial Association hosted various events. These events aimed to celebrate Southern culture. They included grand balls, barbecues, and horse events. For example, in 1987, a special ball was held to celebrate Robert E. Lee's birthday. It featured dancing to old melodies played on antique instruments. Another event was a fox hunt in Virginia in 1989. The Association also held a grand ball in June to celebrate Jefferson Davis's birthday. John Edward Hurley was the president of the Association for many years, starting in the 1980s.
The Hall's Closure
The Confederate Memorial Hall closed in 1997 after a long legal dispute. This dispute involved the Association's president, John Edward Hurley, and other individuals. The legal issues led to the building being sold.
Legal Challenges and Outcome
The legal problems began in the 1980s. There were disagreements about how the Hall was being managed. One person, Richard T. Hines, raised concerns about the building's use. This led to a series of lawsuits between different groups involved with the Hall.
The legal battles continued for many years. John Edward Hurley faced fines from the courts. He also had to deal with orders about how the organization's board of directors should be set up. Hurley claimed that some of these issues were related to his decision to cancel a fundraising event at the Hall. This event was for a political cause that he felt was not allowed for his tax-exempt organization.
Eventually, the courts ordered Hurley to pay a large amount in fines. To cover these costs, the building was sold in 1997. After the sale, the Confederate Memorial Hall became a private residence. It was later converted into four apartments.
