Bowie-Sevier House, Washington D.C.

The Bowie-Sevier House, constructed in the early 1800s, stands as a significant example of Federal-style architecture in Georgetown. Built around 1810 by Washington Bowie, a prominent merchant, real estate speculator, church vestryman, militia officer, and one of Georgetown’s wealthiest men, the house reflects the grandeur and elegance of its era. Perched in the heights of Georgetown, the home provided Bowie and his large family with majestic views south toward the port, along with spacious rooms designed for entertaining and social gatherings.

The house, which incorporated a smaller, earlier dwelling, features a facade adorned with a harmonious blend of Adamesque and Classical Revival details, showcasing the architectural sophistication of the period. Throughout its long history, the Bowie-Sevier House was home to only four families: the Bowies, the Nicholls, the Hollingsworths, and the Seviers. Each family contributed to the house's legacy, maintaining its grandeur and historical significance through the decades.

In 1953, following the death of Mrs. Ella Sevier, the last matriarch of the Sevier family, the house transitioned to a new chapter in its history. It was bequeathed to the Episcopal Church ministry for use as a retirement home for Episcopal women, serving also as a memorial to Mrs. Sevier’s husband’s great-grandfather, General John Sevier. This new purpose allowed the house to continue to serve the community while preserving its historical essence and architectural beauty.