Butler Building

The Butler Building, once a mansion in Washington, D.C., was constructed by Congressman Benjamin Franklin Butler in the 1870s. It served as the headquarters for the U.S. Marine Hospital Service and later the Public Health Service until its demolition in 1929. Notable for its fireproof storage unit for valuable archives, the building featured elegant architectural details such as hardwood finishes and artistic chandeliers. Its strategic location near the U.S. Capitol made it a significant site for government operations, including temporary housing for President Chester A. Arthur. The building's rich history reflects the evolution of public health services in the U.S. before it was replaced by the Longworth House Office Building.