Built 1925-1949 Area 4 ha | NRHP Reference # 78003061 Added to NRHP 3 October 1978 | |
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The United Brick Corporation Brick Complex, also known as the New York Avenue Brick Kilns, is an historic industrial site. It is located at 2801 New York Avenue, Northeast, Washington, D.C. within the United States National Arboretum.
The kilns are the only remaining brickyards in Washington, D.C.. The twelve remaining kilns were expanded in 1927, and are constructed of common brick, lined with fire brick, with vaulted roofs. There is a small gauge rail system, with a standard rail siding.
In 1978, the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
History
Brickyards were a local cottage industry supplying the growth of the city. A number of companies operated at the site, including the Hudson Brick and Supply Company, since 1909.
In 1927, operations at the site were expanded, and the United Brick Corporation acquired the site in 1930. As many competing brickyards closed or moved, the brickyards at the complex grew. After World War II, United Brick Corporation supplied the construction boom in the city.
The complex closed in 1972, and was transferred to the United States Department of Agriculture in 1976.