Eagle Gate (Current Primary Name)
Main Gate (Current Alternative Name)
Upper Gate (Current Alternative Name)
Resource Identification
Name
Building Number
(Current Primary Number)
Evaluation
AFRH-W Historic District
-
Status
- Contributing (2007-01-01)
-
Period(s) of Significance
- Building a Park (1866-1883)
-
Area(s) of Significance
- Landscape Architecture
-
Relative Level of Significance
- Significant (2006-10-29)
-
Quantitative Evaluation
-
Criterion A: 3 Criterion B: 0 Criterion C: 2 Criterion D: 0 National Significance: 0 Integrity: 2 Total Score: 7
Other AFRH-W Designations
none recorded
Other Designations
none recorded
Classification
NRHP Resource Type
Structure
NRHP Resource Category
Landscape-Related
NRHP Resource Subcategory
none recorded
Wuzit (original purpose)
Gate/Security
Important Dates
Construction Date
ca.
1876-01-01
Constructed as part of a large-scale fencing project that began in 1876. Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes document the discussion of continuing construction to the upper gate in May 1876 and the authorization to build a new guard house at the gate in April 1877. (note that month and day are placeholders)
Constructed as part of a large-scale fencing project that began in 1876. Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes document the discussion of continuing construction to the upper gate in May 1876 and the authorization to build a new guard house at the gate in April 1877. (note that month and day are placeholders)
Location
Address
none recorded
none recorded
none recorded
none recorded
Primary Address
3700 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
Location Description
none recorded
none recorded
none recorded
none recorded
none recorded
Character Area
none recorded
Fence/Entry/Perimeter
none recorded none recorded none recordedAFRH-W Master Plan Zone
none recorded
none recorded
AFRH Zone - Other Areas
none recorded none recordedPhase 1A Archaeological Zone
none recorded
none recorded
none recorded
Zone 5
none recorded
Description
Architectural Style
No Style
Description
General Description
The Eagle Gate is located on the west side of Central Grounds and is the only functioning gate at the Home. By the 1870s, the northwestern entrance of the Home was called the Scott Gate and was located slightly north of the present entrance. The construction of Eagle Gate was part of a large-scale fencing project that began in 1876. Although a map published in 1877 still identifies the northwest entrance as Scott Gate, north of the present Eagle Gate, Board of Commissioners meeting minutes and the Home's various building schedules indicate that the Eagle Gate was completed in 1877. Like the 1870s fence and later decorative iron features, this gate survived the efforts to salvage all metal from the Home's perimeter during World War II. The gate consists of two substantial paneled brick piers, each surmounted by a bronze eagle painted gold. The 1876 contract specifications called for painting the piers and eagles.
Function and Use
Function
Reservation Gate
(Historic Function)
Reservation Gate
(Current Primary Function)
Detailed Description
Form Type
none recorded
Measurements
none recorded
Components
none recorded
Modifications
none recorded
Map
Related Resources
Related Character Areas
Fence/Entry/Perimeter (is contained within / contains)
Related People/Organizations
Richard Morgan (Mason, was built by / built)
C. A. Schneider & Sons (Blacksmith, was created by / created)
