Architectural Oddities in Washington, D.C.

This rowhouse doubles as one of the most photographed spots in the nation's capital.

This large garden vase urn has nothing to do with the seventh U.S. President—it was designed by one landscape designer to honor another landscape designer's contributions to the National Mall.

The oldest building in the District of Columbia was preserved because of a mistaken connection to George Washington.

A promising candidate for the lost rock laid by George Washington was unearthed, but the hunt is still on.

A little marble compass above George Washington's (empty) tomb in the Capitol marks where D.C.'s four quadrants intersect.

Franciscan monks created a facsimile of the Holy Land for North Americans who couldn’t afford the trip overseas.

Corn-inthian columns with a uniquely American take on neoclassical architecture.

Behind an abandoned storefront is an example of pioneering 1930s gas station architecture.

Architecture lovers won’t stop touching the National Gallery's 19.5 degree marble prow.

Senators used to relax in the nearly forgotten marble tubs now hidden in the U.S. Capitol Building's basement.

A building shaped like the Army Corps of Engineers logo, because why not?

This unacceptably tall building was the real reason for Washington, D.C.'s skyscraper ban.

‘Bush the old fire dog died of poison July 5th, 1869. RIP.’

This robust fence in front of a historic Georgetown home is likely made from hundreds of recycled Revolutionary War firearms.

The 5.5-mile ring of steel posts around the Capitol Building is one of the largest (and most uniform) of its kind in the world.

A historic neighborhood church is reborn as a psychedelic arts collective.