During the Civil War (1861-65). President Lincoln and Secretary Chase met in the Treasury building to discuss wartime needs. Members of the military command occupied offices in the south wing and troops were housed in the courtyard.
In addition to housing the military command and troops, the Treasury Cabinet Shop helped build fortifications along the Potomac River. (Photo: Union troops marching in Washington, DC in 1865).
Federal buildings, such as the Treasury building, provided space and command offices for the Civil War troops. Additionally, all soldier camps and hospitals were seen all around Washington, DC. Engraving by Charles Magnus, 1864.
Support of the thousands of troops stationed in Washington, DC included not only using the Treasury courtyard as a soldiers camp, but the lower sections of the Senate chambers used for a grainery and baking ovens in the basement of the U.S. Capitol.
Across from the entrance to the south wing of the Treasury building sits Sherman Plaza with a statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman, one of many Civil War monuments to be found around Washington, DC, dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt.