Slemp Federal Building

James Knox Taylor, a supervising architect in the U.S. Treasury Department, designed the C. Bascom Slemp Federal Building in the Second Renaissance style, a rare architectural form in Wise County. The Plowman Construction Company of Philadelphia began work on the building in April 1911, and it opened for business toward the end of the following year. Primary materials used in the building were steel, marble, and limestone. The public lobby, where residents of Big Stone Gap can access the post office boxes, became the most regularly used section of the building. The second and third floors hold courtrooms, offices, and a law library. Although there is not a presiding judge, occasional legal proceedings do take place. 

The namesake of the building comes from U.S. Congressman C. Bascom Slemp. Born into a political family in Lee County, Virginia, Slemp eventually became the leading Republican statesman in a primarily Democratic state. Slemp served the 9th congressional district of Virginia from 1907 to 1923. Following his final term, he served as presidential secretary to President Calvin Coolidge. The Congressman controlled state party patronage and wielded significant power within the national party. With Big Stone Gap's Federal Building under construction, Slemp battled President William Howard Taft's Postmaster General, Frank H. Hitchcock, who, notes Guy Hathorn, "had made certain appointments in Virginia without consulting" Slemp. Hitchcock sought to assert control over all southern Republican delegations, but Slemp maintained his power over state delegates after gaining the President's support. Throughout his political career, Slemp sought to develop southwestern Virginia's economy as well as enhance educational opportunities for coalfield residents. His will designated funds for the development of the Slemp Foundation, which provides funding for the "health, education, and welfare" of Lee and Wise County residents. Other buildings, including the C. Bascom Slemp Memorial Library, commemorate him as well. 

The Slemp Federal Building appeared in the media many times. Local newspapers such as the Big Stone Gap Post covered construction, court news, and other related ideas. However, occasionally the building made national news. In In 1977, the Miami Herald reported on the Slemp Federal Building. The building was recognized by President Jimmy Carter during his signing of the “Rape Privacy Act.” The building was designated as one of the federal courthouses in which this would be enacted. Carter likely chose the Slemp building because it was only one of a few federal buildings that served Southwest Virginia. 

The overall significance of the Slemp Federal Building is largely symbolic. The building was erected twenty-five years after Big Stone Gap's incorporation. Such a short time span signals the speed at which coalfield communities developed after the railroads first appeared in the late 19th century. The population and economy continued to climb through the 1920s. The Slemp Federal Building stands as a reminder of the many business transactions, social gatherings, and political dealings that helped to define life in the coalfields in the early 20th century.

"Work Commenced," Big Stone Gap Post. April 5, 1911.

"Local Items," Big Stone Gap Post. December 11, 1912.

“Appalachia May Get New P.O.” Big Stone Gap Post. October 25, 1922. 

“Carter Signs Fifty Four Bills.” Oshkosh Northwestern. October 30, 1978 

“Carter Signs Rape Privacy Bill.” Miami Herald. October 31, 1978. 

“C. Bascom Slemp Building Estate.” Bristol News Bulletin. August 25, 1930.

Hathorn, Guy B. "C. Bascom Slemp--Virginia Republican Boss, 1907-1932." The Journal of Politics. Vol. 17, no. 2 (1955): 248-64. 

Highsmith, Carol M, photographer. C. Bascom Slemp Federal Building, Big Stone Gap, Virginia. October 3, 2014. https://www.loc.gov/item/2014649917/.

U.S. General Services Administration. National Register of Historic Places: Slemp Federal Building. Big Stone Gap, Virginia. 75002043. 

“The Slemp Foundation To Aid in the Betterment of the People in Lee & Wise Counties, Virginia.” The Slemp Foundation. https://slempfoundation-org.mcallenphp.net/.