Foggy What?!
The name “Foggy Bottom” arose from the fact that the area where the Department of the State is located is at the bottom of the Potomac waterfront (i.e, marshy banks + river water = prone to fog). Back in the day, this environment, combined with the poor air circulation made the area prone to fog. The Potomac’s shoreline was defined by the escarpment, or steep hills, which trapped air in this low-lying area – Washingtonians still experience this on hot, summer nights. Just ask us about the humidity!
Foggy Bottom got its name before the Department of State headquarters called it home in 1941, after initial construction on the building began in 1939.
Some facts:
· There is over 1.5 million square feet of usable space.
· Over 4,000 windows surround the building.
Craving more historical info? Check out the Department of State’s Office of the Historian’s website to learn about the historical documentary record of U.S. foreign policy.
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