|
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
Other related links of interest:
The Surratt
House Museum
|
|