Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A Presidential Refuge
Imagine the chaos of 1814, when the White House was in ruins. For President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison, the Octagon House became an unlikely sanctuary, serving as…
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Imagine the chaos of 1814, when the White House was in ruins. For President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison, the Octagon House became an unlikely sanctuary, serving as their temporary home during a time of national crisis. Completed in 1800 for John Tayloe III, this building was among the grandest townhouses in the country.
It's a stunning piece of late Federalist architecture, featuring decorative Coade stone imported all the way from England. While it started as a private residence, it's now a National Historic Landmark and has been cared for by the American Institute of Architects since 1899. Today, it stands as one of the most important historic buildings in the city, offering a glimpse into the early days of the republic.
If you're wandering through Foggy Bottom, keep an eye out for its unique eight-sided shape.
Updated June 2026