Henry King's place

If you have ever wondered why RFD has such an ornate building on 7th Street, once again Streets of Washington has our answer.

The building was once the pride and joy of Henry King, Jr., one of Washington's most prominent retailers in the late 1800's.   King didn't come to America until 1850, and became a citizen in 1855 at the age of 21.  King opened a clothing store that became quite a success, even selling hats to Mary Todd Lincoln and Julia Grant while they were in the White House.

His store changed locations a number of times before settling at 814 7th Street N.W. in 1878.

More about King's Place and the church across the street is available here from Streets of Washington.