 Interactive map of Capitol Grounds | |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6,000 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Opened | 1884 |
| Tenants | |
| Washington Nationals (UA) (1884) | |
The Capitol Groundsa.k.a.Capitol Park (I), was a baseball field in Washington, D.C. The grounds were the home field for the Washington Nationals of the Union Association during the league's only season in 1884. [1] The ballpark had a seating capacity of 6,000, and was where the Russell Senate Office Building stands today. [2]
Most modern sources say that the ball field was bounded by C Street NE (north); Delaware Avenue NE (west): B Street (now Constitution Avenue) NE (south); and First Street NE (east); just northeast of the Capitol building.
Contemporary newspaper advertisements (see below) give the location as "New Jersey Avenue and C Street", which would put the small ballpark slightly northwest of the Capitol rather than northeast. Local papers also give the location as "adjoining the Baltimore and Ohio depot", [3] which old maps place on the block bounded by North Capitol, New Jersey Avenue NW, C Street NW and D Street NW (see external link).
The ball club was able to finish its season despite a mediocre record, but the Union Association folded after the season ended. The club joined the minor Eastern League for the 1885 season. The club regrouped as a new entry to the National League in 1886, and moved a few blocks north to the larger Capitol Park (II).
