Ever wonder where scientific minds resided? Right here at 1513 16th Street NW stands the Robert Simpson Woodward House. This building was home to Robert Simpson Woodward from 1904 to 1914. He was a geologist, mathematician, and civil engineer.
Robert Simpson Woodward significantly contributed to science. He was also the first president of the Carnegie Institution. The Robert Simpson Woodward House is located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Today, the building serves as the Capital Research Center headquarters.
The Robert Simpson Woodward House gained recognition over the years. In 1976, it became a National Historic Landmark. Two years later, it was added to the Sixteenth Street Historic District.
Let’s explore the physical attributes of the Robert Simpson Woodward House. Architect William M. Conley designed it and the house was built in 1895. It has Romanesque styling. The Robert Simpson Woodward House is a four-story brick building. You can see hipped dormers with tile roofing. Notice the recessed entrance under a rounded arch. Also observe the curved window bay on the right side, reaching the third floor.
Robert Simpson Woodward’s life was marked by frequent moves. But his residency here was one of his longest. Born in Michigan, he studied civil engineering at the University of Michigan. Later, he joined the United States Geological Survey.
Woodward excelled in astronomy, mathematics, surveying, and geology. He also proved to be an effective administrator. He served as dean of the Columbia University School of Pure Science. In 1903, he became the first head of the Carnegie Institution.
Woodward’s early work involved surveying the Great Lakes. He later computed latitudes and longitudes for mapmaking. His study of sea level and geology was also very important.
His hypothesis about the Earth’s age sparked new approaches to geology. Though his estimation of 200-400 million years was inaccurate, his methods were groundbreaking. Besides his work he also published over 100 papers. He edited a standard math textbook.
The Robert Simpson Woodward House stands as a reminder. It connects us to a brilliant mind. It links us to his contributions to science and administration. This house is more than just bricks. It is a piece of scientific history.