Joseph Story was a jurist on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1811 to 1845, and was widely known for his writings on law and the U.S. Constitution, which are considered cornerstone works of American jurisprudence. Story also wrote poetry, publishing his first poem in 1804, called “The Power of Solitude.” (His son, William Wetmore Story, would become well known later as a sculptor and poet.)
Story was the youngest Associate Justice to the Supreme Court at the time of his nomination by James Madison, at age 32. His opinions in the areas of Federal precedence over State courts, admiralty law, and patent law are considered particularly important, but his anti-slavery opinions, especially in the U.S. v. The Amistad case, are perhaps his most famous. He later taught at Harvard University, and published prolifically, mainly on legal subjects. His Miscellaneous Writings (1835), and The Life and Letters of Joseph Story (edited by his son and published posthumously in 1851) sold well.
The Homes
1801 F St. NW, Washington, DC (DACOR-Bacon House)
Also known as the Ringgold-Carroll House, this mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. DACOR offers tours of the Ringgold-Marshall Museum by request, which covers the architecture of the house, the interior design of the house’s last owners, Congressman Robert Low Bacon (NY-R) and his wife Virginia Murray Bacon, as well as Foreign Service memorabilia and artifacts. Now owned by DACOR, An Organization of Foreign Affairs Professionals.
Joseph Story
1801 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Located in Foggy Bottom neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek