Lenthall House

Built around 1800, the Lenthall Houses whisper stories of early Washington D.C. These two adjacent homes, now nestled on the George Washington University campus, weren’t always here. Their journey is as fascinating as their original builder, John Lenthall. Lenthall, born in England in 1762, wasn’t just any builder. He was an architect, the great-grandson of Sir William Lenthall, a prominent figure in English history as Speaker of the House of Commons. John Lenthall crossed the Atlantic and arrived in Washington around 1793, a city still finding its footing. He became the principal assistant to Benjamin Latrobe, the architect of the United States Capitol. Imagine Lenthall, amidst the dust and clamor of a rising capital, overseeing the construction of one of America’s most iconic structures. Then, around 1800, he built these houses, originally situated on 19th Street NW. These elegant Federal-style homes, with their shared roofline and red brick laid in Flemish bond, reflect the architectural trends of their time. They are a testament to Lenthall’s skill, a mirror reflecting the early days of the capital’s residential architecture. Tragedy struck in 1808 when an arch in the Supreme Court chamber collapsed, killing Lenthall. His legacy, however, continued through his homes. One remained in the Lenthall family until 1902. It later became the home of Bertha Noyes, a Washington artist, and the birthplace of the Arts Club of Washington in 1916. Noyes bequeathed the property to George Washington University upon her death in 1966. The other house changed hands multiple times after Lenthall’s death. George Washington University acquired it in the 1970s. By 1978, both Lenthall Houses faced demolition. In a remarkable feat of preservation, they were moved to their current location on the university campus, ensuring their survival for future generations. Stand here today and imagine these homes in their original location, part of a bustling 19th-century streetscape. They are a tangible link to Washington’s past, a testament to John Lenthall’s architectural vision, and a reminder of the constant evolution of our cities.