The Old Patent Office Building was the third building constructed in the District of Columbia after the White House and the United States Capitol. When it was completed in the late 1800s, it was the largest office building in the country. Many have praised it, including poet Walt Whitman, as one of the best examples of the Greek Revival architectural style built by the Federal government in the 19th century.

The building is located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. Five different architects oversaw construction in four sections beginning in the early 1800s. The process took over thirty years, with building interrupted by the Civil War. President Lincoln held his second inaugural ball on the third floor. Architect, Thomas U. Walter completed the building in 1868 only for a fire to destroy much of the upper floors less than ten years later. Two additional architects subsequently repaired and renovated those floors.

At one time housing both the Declaration of Independence and George Washington's Revolutionary War tent, the building became a major tourist attraction in the mid-1800s. Many called it the 'museum of curiosities' for the thousands of patent models and many historical artifacts on display. The south wing originally housed the US Patent Office, while the east wing housed the Department of the Interior. In the early twentieth century, both relocated to other facilities. In 1953, Congress considered legislation to destroy the building and build a parking facility in its place. The growing historic preservation movement fought to save it. In 1955, President Eisenhower signed a law to protect the building. Three years later, Congress gave it to the Smithsonian Institute. The Old Patent Office Building continues to fulfill its intended purpose as a venue to celebrate the achievements of the American people by housing the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, both of which tell American stories and history through American art. Both are open to the public.

Narrative researched and written by University of West Florida Public History Student, Malina Suity. Photo taken by Bobak Ha-Eri on September 1, 2008.