Navy Yard Urns
United States historic place / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Navy Yard Urns are two decorative bronze urns located in Lafayette Square, a small park across the street from the White House, in Washington, D.C. They were originally planned to be installed in the 1850s, but due to the Civil War and other events, they were not erected until 1872. Secretary of the Navy George M. Robeson had ordered the urns be made at the Washington Navy Yard using melted cannons from the Civil War.
Navy Yard Urns | |
Location | Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C. |
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Coordinates | 38°53′56.93″N 77°2′11.08″W |
Built | 1872 |
Architect | Unknown Washington Navy Yard (founder) |
Part of | Lafayette Square Historic District L'Enfant Plan |
NRHP reference No. | 70000833[1] (Lafayette Square Historic District) 97000332[2] (L'Enfant Plan) |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | August 29, 1970 (Lafayette Square Historic District) April 24, 1997 (L'Enfant Plan) |
Designated DCIHS | January 19, 1971 (L'Enfant Plan) June 19, 1973 (Lafayette Square Historic District) |
The urns have been moved a few times during their history, most recently in 1969. They originally stood on the east and west side of the equestrian statue of President Andrew Jackson that is the centerpiece of Lafayette Square. The urns are contributing properties to the Lafayette Square Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, and the L'Enfant Plan. Both the district and plan are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites.