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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Tingey House

The official residence of the Chief of Naval Operations, this 1804 landmark is one of the few structures to survive the British invasion and burning of Washington during the War of 1812.

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Tingey House
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What is Tingey House known for?

Tingey House, also known as Quarters A, is the official residence of the Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy. It is a designated National Historic Landmark and was one of only three locations to survive the fires set by Americans during the burning of Washington, D.C., in the War of 1812.

Who was the house named after?

The house is named in honor of Captain Thomas Tingey, the first Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard, who lived in the building from 1812 until 1829.

When was Tingey House built and what is its architectural style?

The house was likely built in 1804 by Lovering and Dyer of Washington. It originally featured Georgian styling but was later renovated to have a Victorian look.

Where is Tingey House located?

It is located at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., as part of the Yard's historic Officers Quarters.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Tingey House, officially designated as Quarters A, stands as a sentinel of naval history within the Washington Navy Yard. Likely constructed in 1804 by the firm Lovering and Dyer of Washington, the residence began with a Georgian architectural style. Over the decades, subsequent renovations transformed its appearance, granting the building the Victorian look it possesses today. The house is named for Captain Thomas Tingey, who served as the first Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard. Captain Tingey resided in the home from 1812 until his death in 1829. Because of its early construction, it was among the first buildings ever erected at the Yard and remains a critical piece of the historic Officers Quarters. One of the most remarkable aspects of Tingey House is its survival during the War of 1812. When the British invaded the capital in 1814, Americans set fires to thwart the enemy; Tingey House was one of only three locations that survived these blazes. This resilience contributed to its designation as a National Historic Landmark and its 1973 listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1977, the property has served as the official residence of the Chief of Naval Operations. The site continues to be maintained for official entertainment duties, with rehabilitation work as recently as 2008 focusing on the house, its yard, and various ancillary structures to support the needs of the Navy's highest-ranking officer.

Visitor tips

  • View the house from the perimeter as it is an active official residence.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the surrounding historic Officers Quarters.
  • Check Navy Yard access requirements before visiting, as it is a secure federal installation.

Nearby context

Tingey House is situated within the Washington Navy Yard, integrated into the historic Officers Quarters. It is located near the Southeast Federal Center context, including nearby structures like Building 202 on Tingey Street SE.

Sources

Evidence and links