This house is where it all started.
Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk spent time in Washington, D.C. during World War I, working tirelessly to secure U.S. support for Czechoslovak independence. His efforts culminated in the Czechoslovak Declaration of Independence, which was issued in Washington on October 18, 1918.
Masaryk’s Activities in Washington, D.C.:
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Diplomatic Efforts: Masaryk built strong relationships with President Woodrow Wilson, whose advocacy for self-determination helped secure U.S. recognition of Czechoslovakia.
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Drafting the Declaration: He played a key role in drafting the Czechoslovak Declaration of Independence, modeled after the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
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Public Engagement: Masaryk traveled across the U.S. to rally support for the Czechoslovak cause, meeting with politicians, scholars, and Czech-American communities.
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Recognition as President: On October 18, 1918, Masaryk was declared President of Czechoslovakia in Washington, marking a historic moment in Czech history.
The first Czechslovak president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and his influence is commemorated with a statue in Embassy Row, located at Massachusetts Avenue NW and 22nd Street NW. The statue was dedicated in 2002 with participation from Czech President Václav Havel and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
