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The Willard Hotel

Posted on April 2, 2019July 13, 2024 by dcmemorialist

With a history going back to 1816, The Willard Intercontinental Hotel, at the corner of 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, is one of the Nation’s Capital’s most storied buildings.

The original hotel was housed in a row-house built by Captain John Tayloe and leased to Joshua Tennyson as a hotel. In 1830, Henry Willard is hired to run the hotel. In 1847 the hotel is renovated and renamed the Willard City Hotel.

During the next 120 years the Willard welcomes many U.S. Presidents, including Lincoln who stayed there before being inaugurated in 1861 and moving to the Executive Mansion, and international delegations. Other guests include Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Dalai Lama.

One of the several plaques on the walls of the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, in Washington, DC
photo by Fiona Clem

In 1901 the building is torn down and rebuilt in the current Beaux-Arts style. However, the hotel closes in 1968 after declining revenue and the threat of tear-down by the Pennsylvania Avenue redevelopment plan.

After ten years it is decided that the Willard should not be torn down, and in 1977 the hotel is earmarked for preservation status. The newly renovated Willard reopened in 1986.

Outside the main entrance of the Willard Intercontinental Hotel are several plaques.

Julia Ward Howe, photo by FClem

This plaque, located on the front wall of the Willard Hotel, is in honor of Julia Ward Howe. It reads (in part):

.In Honor of Julia Ward Howe who wrote the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” here at the old Willard Hotel
November 21, 1961

“In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea /
with a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me.”

presented by the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic January 24, 1930.

Plaque memorializing the New Willard, Erected 1901.
The Peace Convention 1961
The Peace Convention , photo by FClem

The old Willard Hotel was the scene of the last major effort to restore the Union and prevent the Civil War at Virginia’s invitation. Delegates from twenty-one of the the then thirty-four states met in secret session from February 4 – 27, 1861. In a vain attempt to solve the differences between the north and the south. To honor those who worked for peace and unity. This memorial is erected by the Virginia Civil War Commission. February, 1961.

National Press Club Founding
Founding of the National Press Club, photo by FClem

At this site, at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in March 1908, The National Press Club, now located at 529 14th Street, was formed through the adoption of a Constitution and bylaws and the election of the Club’s first officers.

The National Press Club was founded to provide professional contact between news reporters. It has grown into one of the premier journalism organizations of the world with thousands of members and activities to promote freedom of the press.

Dedicated to the journalists who devote and risk their lives to edifying the public, exposing truth and defending free speech.

January 15, 201


Jean Monnet The Willard Hotel
Jean Monnet The Willard Hotel

Jean Monnet. Born in France, widely travelled, he died at the age of 90 near Paris, proud citizen of a united Europe he inspired and helped to create. Earlier, from his office in the Willard Hotel, he contributed greatly to America’s victory program for wartime production while a member of the British Mission in Washington during World War II. Erected in 1997 by the Jean Monnet Council

John J Pershing ROTC meeting
John J Pershing ROTC meeting

At this site on the 2nd of October 1922 General of the Armies John J. Pershing met with 140 World War I reserve officers and founded the “Reserve Officers Association of the United States.” At the meeting General Pershing said: “I consider this gathering perhaps one of the most important, from a military point of view, that has assembled in Washington or anywhere else within the confines of this country within my time.”

Army Reserve Brigadier General Henry J. Reilly was elected first national president and the Association’s mission was defined: “To support a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate national security and to promote the development and execution thereof.”

At this site on the 2nd of October 1922 General of the Armies John J. Pershing met with 140 World War I reserve officers and founded the “Reserve Officers Association of the United States.” At the meeting General Pershing said: “I consider this gathering perhaps one of the most important, from a military point of view, that has assembled in Washington or anywhere else within the confines of this country within my time.”

Dedicated to the reservists of the uniformed services of the United States on the 22 of October 1997. The 75 Anniversary of the Reserve Offices Association of the United States.

Danzanky plaque Willard Hotel

Joseph Baer Danzansky

1914 – 1979

“All my life I have had a love affair with the City of Washington”

Humanitarian…Businessman…Washingtonian

In a time of racial strife he brought reconciliation and mutual respect.
In the struggle between management and labor he worked for reason and moderation.
In a marketplace driven by self-interest, he served the public interest.

Erected by the Joseph B. Danzansky Commemoration Committee, 1991

Paul S. Forbes, Chairman

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All posts, photos, and research by Fiona Clem.

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