E Street Complex

E Street Complex
General information
LocationFoggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
Address2340 E St NW, Washington, DC 20372
OwnerUnited States Government
Awards and prizesNational Register of Historic Places
Map
About OpenStreetMaps
Maps: terms of use
300m
330yds
E Street Complex
E Street Complex

The E Street Complex, also known as the "Navy Hill Complex," the "Potomac Hill Complex," the "Observatory Hill Complex," and the "Pickle Factory," is the historic site of the primary headquarters facility of the Office of Strategic Services, and the first headquarters building of the Central Intelligence Agency. [1] [2] It is geographically located near 23rd Street and E Street in Washington, D.C. [3] This complex was unassuming, appearing to be a mix of normal government offices and apartment buildings to nearby residents and office workers. [4] [5]

The OSS Society and State Department engaged in efforts with the National Park Service to add the E Street Complex to the National Register of Historic Places. [6] [7] [8] On December 14, 2016, the effort was successful. [9]

*Note: The E Street Complex is not to be confused with the Old Naval Observatory. The E Street Complex occupied a portion of the original area of the Old Naval Observatory grounds, with a courtyard at its center.

A picture of a sign with the CIA logo, and the words "2430 E. Street Northwest" below it.
For decades, the E Street Complex did not have any signage or indication. This changed when Eisenhower's driver could not find the building, and the President ordered a sign be created.
  1. ^ "The Preservation of the Intelligence History of Navy Hill". Inglorious Amateurs. 2014-07-03. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  2. ^ "Observatory Hill Historic District - Situated on a prominent hill in Foggy Bottom, the buildings of the Observatory Hill Historic District represent important developments in science and national intelligence". DC Historic Sites. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  3. ^ Hendrix, Steve (2023-04-15). "Former OSS spies on a mission to save old headquarters". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  4. ^ Katz, Barry M. (1989). Foreign Intelligence · Research and Analysis in the Office of Strategic Services 1942-1945. Cambridge, Mass., London: Harvard University Press.
  5. ^ Harden, Victoria A.; Lyons, Michele (2018-02-27). "NIH's Early Homes". The NIH Catalyst. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  6. ^ "Office of Strategic Services Society". www.osssociety.org. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  7. ^ National Park Service. "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form" (PDF).
  8. ^ Webb, Brandon (2014-07-02). "How You Can Save The OSS Headquarters From Demolition". SOFREP. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  9. ^ Hendrix, Steve (2023-05-24). "Birthplace of the CIA and U.S. spycraft just made the National Register of Historic Places". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-06-26.