Gpurvis
Prisons
Wed Mar 28 07:26:53 2001


Old Capitol Prison (Washington, DC), 1863-1865.

Temporary building constructed c1815 after the British burned the U.S. Capitol in the War of 1812; later used as a hotel and became dilapidated and dangerously run down. Held POWs, Union deserters, suspected spies, and miscellaneous prisoners awaiting trial.