Edward Clark (architect)

Infobox Architect


name=Edward Clark
nationality=American
birth_date=15th August 1822
birth_place=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
death_date=6th January 1902
death_place=Washington, D.C, USA
significant_buildings=Patent office building|

Edward Clark (died January 6, 1902) was an American architect who served as Architect of the Capitol from 1865 to 1902.

Edward Clark was Thomas U. Walter's student, chief assistant, and successor. Prior to working with Walter, he had received training in freehand and mechanical drawing as well as engineering. Clark was the superintendent of construction on the Patent Office and Post Office additions under Walter. He belonged to the American Institute of Architects.

Clark was appointed Capitol architect by President Andrew Johnson upon his mentor's resignation on 30 August 1865 and completed the extension project in 1868. A year earlier, the old Capitol and the Grounds, as well as the extensions, were placed under the control of the Architect when the office of Commissioner of Public Buildings was abolished. Clark introduced many technological improvements to the Capitol, including electricity, steam heat, and elevators. During Clark's tenure, the Capitol Grounds were greatly enlarged and Frederick Law Olmstead, the greatest landscape architect of the day, was commissioned to design the grounds and terraces. Also during his administration, the Library of Congress moved to its own building, and the west central interior of the Capitol was reconstructed.

Edward Clark died in office on January 6, 1902.