It was operational from 1806 to its controversial closing by mayor Anthony A. Williams in 2001, as the city was trying to cut costs while recovering from bankruptcy.

The hospital was founded as the Washington Infirmary in 1806, using a $2,000 grant from Congress, and was located at 6th and M Street NW.

At the turn of the century, efforts to open a new public hospital at 14th and Upshur were opposed by residents.

[5] In 2016, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a plan to replace the D.C. General shelter with six smaller facilities located around the city while transitioning families to subsidized housing.

[6] Reservation 13, the area encompassing the hospital site, was offered as part of Washington's bid to host Amazon HQ2.