National Archives Building

National Archives Building is a historic structure located in Washington, D.C., United States. It serves as the headquarters of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for preserving and documenting government and historical records. The building was designed by architect John Russell Pope and completed in 1935.

History

The National Archives Building was authorized by Congress in 1926, following the need for a centralized location to house federal records. The construction began in 1931 under the supervision of architect John Russell Pope, who is also known for designing other notable structures in Washington, D.C., such as the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art. The building was completed in 1935 and was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936.

Architecture

The National Archives Building is designed in the Neoclassical style, featuring a monumental facade with a row of 72 Corinthian columns. The building's exterior is made of limestone, while the interior features a grand rotunda, which houses the Charters of Freedom, including the United States Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Function

The primary function of the National Archives Building is to serve as the repository for the most important documents of the United States government. It houses millions of records, including treaties, acts of Congress, presidential proclamations, and military records. The building also includes research rooms for scholars and the public to access these records.

See also

• National Archives and Records Administration
• Archives of the United States of America
• List of National Historic Landmarks in Washington, D.C.