Although influenced by European classicism, the true inspiration for the architecture of the Federal Triangle arose from the plains of mid- America: the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair that introduced the City Beautiful Movement in the United States. Early 20th-century political leaders such as Senator James McMillan of Michigan and Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon joined leading architects in envisioning a magnificent grouping of government buildings in the heart of Washington. That vision was made into reality by thousands of talented workmen — stonemasons, bricklayers, engineers, carpenters, sculptors, plumbers, metal workers, electricians, painters, and other craftsmen — who hailed from across the nation. Indiana provided the limestone from which most Triangle buildings were constructed. Marble came from Maine, Vermont, Maryland, Tennessee, and Missouri; granite from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and North Carolina; terra cotta from West Virginia and Illinois; soapstone from Virginia; travertine from Georgia; Mankato stone from Minnesota. Steel and bricks arrived from Pennsylvania; wood from Ohio and Michigan. New York provided aluminum, bronze, and glass. Wisconsin contributed ornamental iron work, and New Jersey supplied leather for interior doors. As you explore the Federal Triangle, be reminded that while it was conceived by men of power and architects of genius, all America helped to build it. A Message from the U.S. General Services Administration
Robert Peck Commissioner Public Building Service U.S. General Services Administration
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