Washington Navy Yard

Situated on the banks of the Anacostia River on land that was set aside by George Washington for federal use, the Washington Navy Yard is the U.S. Navy’s oldest shore establishment.

Built in 1800, it quickly became the Navy’s largest and busiest shipbuilding and shipfitting facility.  During the early years, 22 vessels were constructed there, including not only small gun boats but also the Minnesota, a 246-foot steam frigate.  The famous USS Constitution, which now sits in Boston harbor, was sent here for refitting in 1812.

In 1814, during the War of 1812, the Washington Navy Yard was ordered burned to the ground when it became clear that it could not be defended.  Records report that all the stores that could not be evacuated, the unfinished Columbia and Argus, and most of the Yard's buildings were consumed in the flames. 

After the fire, the secretary of the Navy decided that the emphasis at the Navy Yard should be switched to shipbuilding and it remained that way for about a century.  As a matter of fact, this particular yard was home to one of the earliest steam engines in the United States which was used to manufacture anchors, chains, and steam engines for vessels of war.

The Civil War was also a busy time for the Washington Navy Yard, but shortly after the war, the Yard was designated the manufacturing center for all ordnance in the Navy.  The workers here manufactured armament for the Great White Fleet and the World War I Navy, including the 14-inch naval railway guns used in France during World War I.  By the beginning of World War II, it was the largest naval ordnance plant in the world.  Ordnance work was finally phased out in 1961.

The Yard has also been the site of many scientific developments and has served as a ceremonial area for many diplomatic missions and other important events.  Today, it serves as the Headquarters for the Naval District Washington. 

With such a long history of shipbuilding and fitting, the Washington Navy Yard employed many civilians and military personnel who performed various jobs which may have unknowingly exposed them to asbestos. Shipyard employees who’ve suffered asbestos exposure may include Boiler Technicians, Construction Mechanics, Damage Controlmen, Electronics Technicians, Enginemen, Fire Control Technicians, and many others.

If you were exposed to asbestos at the Washington Navy Yard and have developed asbestos-related cancer, our Mesothelioma Information Kit will assist you in learning more about the disease, its treatments, and your rights as a victim.