Latrobe Gate

The Latrobe Gate (also known as Main Gate, Washington Navy Yard ) is a historic gatehouse at the Washington Navy Yard in Southeast Washington, DC. Was built in 1806 and in 1881 changed fundamentally. The ceremonial entrance to the oldest establishment of the U.S. Navy on the mainland is an example of neoclassical architecture and in 1881 modified with Italianate elements. It was the second Architect of the Capitol, Benjamin Latrobe, designed to whose work the St. John 's Episcopal Church and the Capitol in Washington, DC and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary are in Baltimore. The Latrobe Gate is one of the oldest existing examples of neoclassical architecture in the United States. It was registered on 14 August 1973 in the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing property of the Washington Navy Yards as a National Historic Landmark.

History

The Washington Navy Yard was statuiert on July 23, 1799 by an Act of Congress. Three years later, President Thomas Jefferson chose from Latrobe to plan a dry dock and a device for repairing of ships at a strategically located naval base. Although the Congress of the United States rejected the building plans Latrobe, the architect in 1804 was appointed Chief Engineer of the Navy Department. The plans for the main gate were 1805 approved by the Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith, and the construction lasted from 1805 until 1806. Latrobe's design in the classical style was considered daring and was criticized by traditional architects. William Thornton, the first Architect of the Capitol, called the goal a " monument of bad taste and design." Thornton predicted that " is not done until the end of time such an architecture ", but the style became popular among the American architect of the 19th century. The style was seen as a symbol of the democracy of the young nation whose political system was based on principles of Ancient Greece.

In the War of 1812 Washington was, D.C. occupied by British troops. The Navy Yard was a prime target during the attack and was burned in the fire of Washington, 1814. The gatehouse was one of only three buildings in the Navy Yard, which was not destroyed during the fire.

1881 a barracks of the United States Marine Corps was built around and above the main gate. This Italian -style buildings are part of brick above the gate comprises two floors and on the two sides of three floors. It is the oldest continuously occupied guardhouse of the Navy in the United States.