Main Interior Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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US Department of the Interior Building
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Main Interior Building viewed from the south. The José Artigas statue is in the foreground.
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 Location in Central Washington, D.C.
Location in the District of Columbia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Eighteenth and C Sts. NW, Washington, D.C. |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1936 |
| Architect | Waddy Butler Wood, et al. |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002898 |
| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1986 |
The Main Interior Building, also known as the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building, is in Washington, D.C.. It is the main office for the United States Department of the Interior. This department helps manage and protect America's natural resources and land.
The building is located in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C. It sits between 19th Street NW and 18th Street NW, and E Street NW and C Street NW. Its official address, "1849 C Street, NW," honors the year the Department of Interior was founded, 1849. Nearby landmarks include DAR Constitution Hall and Rawlins Park. Inside, you'll find the offices of the Secretary of the Interior, other department employees, the Interior Museum, and the Interior Library.
Contents
History of the Interior Building
Early Department Homes
For many years, the Department of the Interior moved around. From 1852 to 1917, its offices were in the old United States Patent and Trademark Office building. Today, that building is home to the National Portrait Gallery. After that, the department moved to another building until the current Main Interior Building was ready.
A New Home for the Department
By the time President Franklin D. Roosevelt became president, the Department of the Interior had grown very large. Its employees were spread out in 15 different rented offices across Washington. This made it hard for them to work together.
Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes wanted a new, single building for the department. President Roosevelt agreed. In 1934, Ickes, who also led the Public Works Administration, set aside $12.74 million for the new building.
Choosing the Best Location
Several spots were considered for the new Interior Building. One idea was on the National Mall, where the National Museum of American History is now. Another was near the old Interior Building.
Finally, a site in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood was chosen on March 21, 1934. This large area could fit a big building. It was one of the few places where a street (D Street) could be removed to make space for the new construction.
Designing an Innovative Building
A famous Washington architect named Waddy Butler Wood was chosen to design the building. Secretary Ickes was very involved in the design. He wanted the building to be practical and efficient.
The building was designed with wide hallways and open courtyards. It had movable steel office walls and special ceilings to reduce noise. It was also the first large government building to have central air conditioning throughout. Ickes made sure all employees could enjoy it.
The Main Interior Building became known as one of the most useful and modern government offices in Washington during the 1930s. It even cost less to run than other government buildings, even with the air conditioning.
Ickes also wanted the building to have spaces for employees to gather and relax. These included an auditorium, a gym, a cafeteria, and a lounge. He also made sure there was an Interior Museum, an art gallery, and a shop for Native American arts and crafts.
The building also had advanced systems for maintenance and safety. It included a central vacuum system and a special floor for all the mechanical equipment like plumbing and telephone lines. It also had fire safety systems, including automatic sprinklers and 11 stairways for quick exits.
Art and Symbolism
Even though the building was very practical, it also featured beautiful art and architecture. You can see decorative details like bronze grilles, unique light fixtures, and plaster moldings. Some designs even include symbols of the Interior Department, like a buffalo on the doors.
The building has more artwork from the Public Works Administration (PWA) than almost any other government building. Secretary Ickes was involved in every step of the artwork. He reviewed sketches and often asked for changes. He wanted each piece of art to show the administration's ideas about protecting nature or to highlight the department's programs.
Building Completion and Dedication
Construction of the Main Interior Building started in April 1935 and was finished in December 1936. It was built very quickly, taking only 18 months. This building was the first major project of President Roosevelt's New Deal in Washington, D.C.
At the dedication ceremony on April 16, 1936, President Roosevelt called the building a "symbol of the Nation's vast resources." He said it was the "cornerstone of a conservation policy." Secretary Ickes saw it as a "symbol of a new day" for the country.
Renaming the Building
In 2010, the United States Congress passed a law to rename the Main Interior Building. It was officially named the "Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building." This was done to honor Stewart Lee Udall, who served as Secretary of the Interior for eight years, from 1961 to 1969. He passed away in March 2010 at the age of 90.
Indigenous Peoples Arts and Crafts Shop
Secretary Ickes wanted to support Native American art. So, he made sure the building included a shop where Native American artists could sell their work. Today, the Indigenous Peoples Craft Shop on the first floor still sells art made by Native American artists. The shop also features three murals: Breaking Camp at Wartime and Buffalo Hunt by Allan Houser, and Deer Stalking by Gerald Nailor Sr..
Murals in the Building
The Main Interior Building is home to many important murals. These artworks tell stories about American history, culture, and the work of the Interior Department.
- An Incident in Contemporary American Life by Mitchell Jamieson (1942): This mural shows the famous 1939 concert by Marian Anderson at the Lincoln Memorial. This concert happened after she was not allowed to sing at another venue because of her race. Secretary Ickes offered the Lincoln Memorial for her performance.
- The Negro's Contribution in the Social and Cultural Development of America by Millard Sheets (1948): This series of four murals shows how African Americans have influenced American life in areas like education, arts, religion, and science.
- Indian and Soldier by Maynard Dixon (1939): This mural represents the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It shows the change of Native Americans from warriors to farmers and the loss of their traditional way of life.
- Rush for the Oklahoma Land of 1894 by John Steuart Curry (1939): This mural captures the exciting moment right after the start of an Oklahoma land run, showing people rushing to claim land.
- Construction of a Dam by William Gropper (1939): This popular mural celebrates public works projects and the dignity of labor. It shows the strength and importance of workers.
- Ansel Adams: Mural Project 1941–1942: This collection of photographs by famous photographer Ansel Adams was installed in 2010. Secretary Ickes asked Adams to take large photos showing the beauty of nature and how the Interior Department managed resources. The project was stopped during World War II. Adams captured over 200 images, including national parks and Native American life.
Images for kids
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First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar thanked employees at a ceremony.
