Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, Old Main Building

The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, Old Main Building is a historic site in Downtown Washington, D.C., recognized for its architectural significance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. Designed by architect Leon Eidlitz, this building was constructed as the main exchange for the company and began operations in 1904, featuring the largest telephone switchboard of its time. It played a crucial role in modernizing telephone service by eliminating the need for operators to manage calls, thus enhancing communication for the growing number of businesses in the area.