In 1902, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a patriotic organization composed of female decedents of those who served in the American revolutionary war, were seeking a home. After considerable research, they purchased undeveloped marshy Foggy Bottom Square 173 – bounded by 17th and 18th, C and D streets. Their first building was Memorial Continental Hall on 17th Street. Built in 1904-10, it serves as both the DAR headquarters and a Revolutionary War memorial. It also houses an extraordinary library, museum, Americana collection/Archives, and “period rooms” decorated by state organizations. You can take a free tour led by knowledgeable docents. The DAR constructed an adjoining administrative building in 1920 (expanded in 1950). The ensemble was completed by the construction of the better-known DAR Constitution Hall in 1929. That building, designed by John Russell Pope, is still D.C.’s largest concert hall.
