E Street Complex Explained

E Street Complex
Awards:	National Register of Historic Places
Location:	Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
Address:	2340 E St NW, Washington, DC 20372
Owner:	United States Government

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.

References

1. Web site: 2014-07-03 . The Preservation of the Intelligence History of Navy Hill . 2024-06-25 . Inglorious Amateurs . en.
2. Web site: 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. . 2024-06-25 . DC Historic Sites . en.
3. News: Hendrix . Steve . 2023-04-15 . Former OSS spies on a mission to save old headquarters . 2024-06-25 . Washington Post . en-US . 0190-8286.
4. Book: Katz, Barry M. . Foreign Intelligence · Research and Analysis in the Office of Strategic Services 1942-1945 . Harvard University Press . 1989 . Cambridge, Mass., London.
5. Web site: Harden . Victoria A. . Lyons . Michele . 2018-02-27 . NIH's Early Homes . 2020-09-28 . The NIH Catalyst . en.
6. Web site: Office of Strategic Services Society . 2024-06-25 . www.osssociety.org.
7. Web site: National Park Service . National Register of Historic Places Registration Form .
8. Web site: Webb . Brandon . 2014-07-02 . How You Can Save The OSS Headquarters From Demolition . 2024-06-25 . SOFREP . en.
9. News: Hendrix . Steve . 2023-05-24 . Birthplace of the CIA and U.S. spycraft just made the National Register of Historic Places . 2024-06-26 . Washington Post . en-US . 0190-8286.