Lockkeeper's House

The Lockkeeper's House is the oldest structure on the National Mall, and reflects the legacy of the everyday people who have lived and worked in Washington, D.C., as well as a story of our capital's changing landscape. Originally completed in 1837, the Lockkeeper’s House has stood for over 185 years on the National Mall, a humble witness to our nation’s history. Over the years, as the canals were filled in to make way for a more modern capital city, the Lockkeeper’s House evolved to meet the needs of the times – serving as a tool shed for park staff, a watchman’s lodge, and even a temporary holding cell for the Park Police. Now, it is a volunteer-operated site for welcoming visitors and sharing the history of the Washington City Canal and the National Mall.

The Lockkeeper’s House is kept open to the public entirely through volunteer support!  Volunteers provide both operational and programmatic support at the Lockkeeper’s House to help welcome over 20,000 visitors each year to the site. With engaging educational materials and video exhibits, the Lockkeeper’s House is an entry point to inform visitors’ overall National Mall experience.