Center for Technology and National Security Policy

Where the Old Meets the New

While focused on cutting-edge technology, the Center is housed on Fort McNair in a building brimming with history and tradition. Its offices are in Grant Hall, also known as Building 20, which was once the east wing of the first U.S. penitentiary, built in 1829. In 1865 the penitentiary was used to incarcerate and try the eight prisoners who were charged with conspiracy in President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. The trial was held in the east wing (now the Center's offices) and this wing also served as the detention center for the female prisoners. Four of the eight were convicted and hanged in the area where the tennis courts are now located. One of the four, Mary Surratt, was the first American woman to be executed by Federal order, and rumor has it that she haunts the building to this day.

For more information on the history of Ft. McNair:
Ft.McNair's History - Ft. Myer Military Community Website

Ft. McNair's History - Military District of Washington Website