The headquarters of the U.S. Forest Service, known as the Washington Office or WO, was initially located in the Atlantic Building, at 930 F. Street, N.W. The chief and his staff worked from the WO, providing guidance to rangers and offices in the field. Traditionally, field going men and women spent part of their time in the Washington Office--some, like Angela J. Burke, started there as clerks, and then moved west to field offices, while others, such as rancher Will C. Barnes, (standing, far left) traded their spurs for an office chair in the nation's capital.

Clerks, writers, draftsmen, artists, photographers, and librarians provided support for the agency. Many student assistants also spent time in the WO, under the tutelage of the Foresters, Engineers, and Scientists.