United States Capitol
The west face of the United States Capitol
Building information
Town	Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Country	United States of America
Architect	William Thornton (first of many)
Client	Washington administration
Construction start date	September 18, 1793
Cost	$412,000
Style	American Neoclassicism
Size	274 acres (1.11 km²)

The United States Capitol is the capitol building that serves as the seat of government for the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It is located in Washington, D.C., on top of Capitol Hill at the east end of the National Mall. Although not in the geographic center of the District of Columbia, the Capitol is the focus by which the quadrants of the district are divided. Officially, the east and west sides of the Capitol are referred to as "fronts". Historically, however, the east front was initially the side of the building intended for the arrival of visitors and dignitaries. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 343 pixel Image in higher resolution (7000 × 3000 pixel, file size: 9. ... Map of Washington, D.C., with Capitol Hill highlighted in red Capitol Hill, aside from being the common nickname for the United States Congress, is the largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington, D.C., stretching easterly behind the U.S. Capitol along wide avenues. ... For other uses, see Washington, D.C. (disambiguation). ... William Thornton (May 20, 1759 - 28 March 1828) was the original architect of the United States Capitol. ... United States Capitol The Architect of the Capitol is responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, the congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the United States Supreme Court building, the United States... Inaugurated on April 30, 1789, George Washington was the first President of the United States. ... is the 261st day of the year (262nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1793 (MDCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... USD redirects here. ... The Cathedral of Vilnius (1783), by Laurynas Gucevičius. ... This article is about the unit of measurement. ... For other uses, see Capitol (disambiguation). ... The seat of government is the location of the government for a political entity. ... Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives President of the Senate President pro tempore Dick Cheney, (R) since January 20, 2001 Robert C. Byrd, (D) since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political... United States Government redirects here. ... For other uses, see Washington, D.C. (disambiguation). ... Map of Washington, D.C., with Capitol Hill highlighted in red Capitol Hill, aside from being the common nickname for the United States Congress, is the largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington, D.C., stretching easterly behind the U.S. Capitol along wide avenues. ... Facing east across the Mall with ones back towards the Lincoln Memorial. ... In geometry, the focus (pl. ...

The building was originally designed by William Thornton. This plan was subsequently modified by Stephen Hallet, Benjamin Latrobe and then Charles Bulfinch. The current dome and the House and Senate wings were designed by Thomas U. Walter and August Schoenborn,^[1] a German immigrant, and were completed under the supervision of Edward Clark.^[2] William Thornton (May 20, 1759 - 28 March 1828) was the original architect of the United States Capitol. ... Étienne Sulpice Hallet (1755-1825) was a French-born U.S. architect. ... Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe (May 1, 1764 - September 3, 1820) was a British-born American architect best known for his design of the United States Capitol. ... The Massachusetts State House, designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798. ... Type Bicameral Speaker of the House of Representatives House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Steny Hoyer, (D) since January 4, 2007 House Minority Leader John Boehner, (R) since January 4, 2007 Members 435 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party... Type Upper House President of the Senate Richard B. Cheney, R since January 20, 2001 President pro tempore Robert C. Byrd, D since January 4, 2007 Members 100 Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party Last elections November 7, 2006 Meeting place Senate Chamber United States Capitol Washington, DC United States... Thomas U. Walter Portrait by Francisco Pausas, 1925, after a Mathew Brady photograph Thomas Ustick Walter (September 4, 1804 – October 30, 1887) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the dean of American architecture between the death of Benjamin Latrobe and the work of H.H. Richardson. ... August Schoenborn was an German American architect. ... Edward Clark was Architect of the Capitol from 1865 to 1902. ...

The building is marked by its central dome above a rotunda and two wings, one for each chamber of Congress: the north wing is the Senate chamber and the south wing is the House of Representatives chamber. Above these chambers are galleries where visitors can watch the Senate and House of Representatives. It is an example of the Neoclassical architecture style. The statue on top of the dome is the Statue of Freedom.^[3] In 2007, it was ranked sixth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects. For other uses, see Dome (disambiguation). ... Capitol dome The rotunda is the central rotunda and dome of the United States Capitol. ... The Cathedral of Vilnius (1783), by Laurynas Gucevičius. ... For other freedom monuments, see Monument of Liberty. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... In 2007, the American Institute of Architects released the following list, titled Americas Favorite Architecture, containing 150 of Americas most beautiful buildings, according to a survey of AIA members. ... The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional organization for architects in the United States. ...

History

Design for the U.S. Capitol, "An Elevation for a Capitol", by James Diamond was one of many submitted in the 1792 contest, but not selected.

Image File history File links Size of this preview: 794 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (900 × 680 pixel, file size: 143 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 794 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (900 × 680 pixel, file size: 143 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

Previous capitols

Before 1800, at least eight other buildings and eight other cities have hosted Congress, going back to the First Continental Congress. Since the ratification of the United States Constitution, Congress has only met in two other buildings. The capitol was first located in New York, with Congress meeting in City Hall (Federal Hall) from 1785 to 1790.^[4] When the nation's capital moved to Philadelphia, the Philadelphia County Building (Congress Hall) served as the capitol from 1790 to 1800. The First Continental Congress was a body of representatives appointed by the legislatures of twelve North American colonies of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1774. ... Wikisource has original text related to this article: The United States Constitution The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. ... Federal Hall, once located at 26 Wall Street in New York City, was the first capitol of the United States. ... For other uses, see Philadelphia (disambiguation) and Philly. ...

Construction

The site for the United States Capitol chosen by Pierre Charles L'Enfant was Jenkins Hill, which rose 88 feet (27 m) above the Potomac River.^[5] The site is one mile (1.6 km) from the White House. L'Enfant secured the lease of quarries at Wigginton Island and along Aquia Creek in Virginia for use in the foundations and outer walls of the Capitol in November 1791.^[6] Pierre (Peter) Charles LEnfant LEnfants plan for Washington, as revised by Andrew Ellicott Pierre (Peter) Charles LEnfant (2 August 1754, Paris, France – 14 June 1825, Prince Georges County, Maryland) was a French-born American architect and urban planner. ... The Potomac River flows into the Chesapeake Bay, located along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States (USA). ... For other uses, see White House (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Quarry (disambiguation). ... Aquia Creek is a tributary of the tidal segment of the Potomac River located in Northern Virginia. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... A foundation is a structure that transmits loads from a building or road to the underlying ground. ...

In 1792, a contest was announced by Commissioners of the Federal City seeking designs for both the Congress House and the President's House.^[5] The contest deadline was July 15, 1792, with rewards including $500 and a lot in the city.^[7] All the drawings submitted were considered inadequate and rejected.^[8] The most promising of the submissions was by Stephen Hallet.^[9] However, a late entry by amateur architect William Thornton was submitted on January 31, 1793 to much praise by President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Thornton was inspired by the east front of the Louvre, as well as the Pantheon for the center portion of the design.^[10] Thornton's design was officially approved in a letter, dated April 5, 1793, from George Washington.^[11] In effort to console Hallet, the commissioners appointed him to review Thornton's plans, develop cost estimates, and serve as superintendent of construction. Hallet proceeded to pick apart and make drastic changes to Thornton's design, which he saw as amateur with numerous problems and high costs to build.^[12] Jefferson appointed a five-member commission, including Hallet and James Hoban, to address problems with and revise Thornton's plan. Except for some details in Thornton's plan that specified an open recess in the center of the East front, the revised plan was accepted.^[13] Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... is the 196th day of the year (197th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1792 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Étienne Sulpice Hallet (1755-1825) was a French-born U.S. architect. ... William Thornton (May 20, 1759 - 28 March 1828) was the original architect of the United States Capitol. ... is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1793 (MDCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)[1] led Americas Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. ... The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. ... Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 N.S.–4 July 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–09), the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States. ... This article is about the museum. ... Facade of the Pantheon For other uses, see Pantheon (disambiguation). ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1793 (MDCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... James Hobans drawing of the White House James Hoban (c. ...

The Capitol when first occupied by Congress, 1800

Adorned in masonic attire, George Washington laid the cornerstone on September 18, 1793 during a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the Capitol.^[14][15] The stone is located near the Old Supreme Court, through a passageway taken by people visiting the United States Senate Gallery. It is not known that this actually is the original cornerstone, but it was engraved with a masonic symbol and commissioned in 1893 (100 years after its placement). The cornerstone has been moved from its original location. This image is in the public domain in the United States and possibly other jurisdictions. ... This image is in the public domain in the United States and possibly other jurisdictions. ... American Square & Compasses Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternal organization. ... the Stone - south is towards the top of the image For the foundation-stone of a building, see Cornerstone. ... is the 261st day of the year (262nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1793 (MDCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Groundbreaking is a traditional ceremony in many cultures that celebrates the first day of construction for a building or other project. ...

Construction proceeded with Hallet working under supervision of James Hoban, who was also busy working on construction of the White House. Despite the wishes of Jefferson and the President, Hallet went ahead anyway and modified Thornton's design for the East front and created a square central court that projected from the center, with flanking wings which would house the legislative bodies. Hallet was dismissed by Jefferson on November 15, 1794.^[16] George Hadfield was hired on October 15, 1795 as superintendent of construction, but resigned three years later in May 1798, due to dissatisfaction with Thornton's plan and quality of work done thus far.^[17] For other uses, see White House (disambiguation). ... is the 319th day of the year (320th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1794 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1795 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

The Senate wing was completed in 1800, while the House wing was completed in 1811. However, the House of Representatives moved into the House wing in 1807. Though the building was incomplete, the Capitol held its first session of United States Congress on November 17, 1800. The legislature was moved to Washington prematurely, at the urging of President John Adams in hopes of securing enough Southern votes to be re-elected for a second term as president.^[18] 17 November is also the name of a Marxist group in Greece, coinciding with the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. ... // ON MAY 5 1853 MR.FADER HAD SEX WITH A MAN NAME MR WIEN THEN THEY HAD SON NAMEDMRS COTURE AND MR MANOOGIAN WENT INTO MRS HASKELLS OFFICE NAKED AND DANCED AROUND AND MASTERBATED ON HER CHEST AND SHE LICKED IT OFF THEN THEY HAD ORAL SEEX WITH NAPLOEAN OF... For other persons named John Adams, see John Adams (disambiguation). ... In the United States presidential election of 1800, sometimes referred to as the “Revolution of 1800”, Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams. ...

The Capitol was built and later expanded in the 1850s using the labor of slaves "who cut the logs, laid the stones and baked the bricks".^[19] The original plan was to use workers brought in from Europe; however, there was a poor response to recruitment efforts, and African Americans—free and slave—composed the majority of the work force.^[20] This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... An African American (also Afro-American, Black American, or simply black) is a member of an ethnic group in the United States whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Africa. ...

The Capitol, 1846 daguerrotype.

The Statue of Freedom on top of the dome was completed in 1863. An early daguerreotype, claimed by some to be Abraham Lincoln, although many experts disagree with this claim. ... For other freedom monuments, see Monument of Liberty. ...

The Supreme Court also met in the Capitol until its own building (behind the East Front) was completed in 1935. The Supreme Court of the United States (sometimes colloquially referred to by the acronym SCOTUS[1]) is the highest judicial body in the United States and leads the federal judiciary. ... Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. The buildings facade underwent renovation during the summer of 2006. ...

War of 1812

Not long after the completion of both wings, the Capitol was partially burned by the British in August 1814, during the War of 1812. Reconstruction began in 1815 and was completed by 1819. Construction continued through to 1826, with the addition of the center Rotunda area and the first dome of the Capitol. Architect Benjamin Latrobe is principally connected with the original construction and many innovative interior features; his successor, Charles Bulfinch, also played a major role, such as the design of the first dome. This article is about the U.S.–U.K. war. ...

Expansion

Main article: United States Capitol dome

The building was expanded dramatically in the 1850s. The original timber-framed dome of 1818 would no longer be appropriately scaled. Thomas U. Walter was responsible for the wing extensions and the "wedding cake" cast-iron dome, three times the height of the original dome and 100 feet (30 m) in diameter, which had to be supported on the existing masonry piers. Like Mansart's dome at Les Invalides (which he had visited in 1838), Walter's dome is double, with a large oculus in the inner dome, through which is seen The Apotheosis of Washington painted on a shell suspended from the supporting ribs, which also support the visible exterior structure and the tholos that supports the Freedom, a colossal statue that was added to the top of the dome in 1863. The weight of the cast-iron for the dome has been published as 8,909,200 pounds (4,041,100 kg). The dome of the United States Capitol building. ... For other uses, see Dome (disambiguation). ... Jules Hardouin-Mansart, marble bust by Jean-Louis Lemoyne: a full-dress Baroque portrait bust demonstrates that the Kings architect is no mere craftsman Jules Hardouin-Mansart (Paris, April 16, 1646 – Marly, France, May 11, 1708) was a French architect whose work is generally considered to be the apex... , The church at the Invalides Les Invalides in Paris, France consists of a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the buildings original purpose. ... Oculus is the Latin word for eye. ... The Apotheosis of Washington The Apotheosis of Washington (also known as The Apotheosis of George Washington) is a fresco painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865 atop the rotunda of the United States Capitol. ... The Treasure of Atreus tholos in 2004 Beehive tombs, also known as Tholos tombs (plural tholoi), are a style of Mycenaean chamber tomb from the Bronze Age. ... For other freedom monuments, see Monument of Liberty. ... For the cookware, see Cast iron cookware. ...

Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, 4 March 1861, beneath the unfinished capitol dome.

When the dome of the Capitol was finally completed, it was significantly larger than the original plan, and its massive visual weight overpowered the proportions of the columns of the East Portico, built in 1828. The East Front of the Capitol building was rebuilt in 1904, following a design of the architects Carrère and Hastings, who also designed the Senate and House office buildings. A marble duplicate of the sandstone East Front was built 33.5 feet (10.2 m) from the old Front during 1958-1962, and a connecting extension incorporated what formerly was an outside wall as an inside wall. In the process, the Corinthian columns were removed, and landscape designer Russell Page created a suitable setting for them in a large meadow at the National Arboretum, where they are combined with a reflecting pool in an ensemble that reminds some visitors of Persepolis. The Capitol draws heavily from other notable buildings, especially churches and landmarks in Europe, including the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, St. Paul's Cathedral in London and Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. On the roofs of the Senate and House Chambers are flagpoles that fly the U.S. flag when either is in session. For other uses, see Abraham Lincoln (disambiguation). ... Categories: Architectural elements | Stub ... New York Public Library, central block, built 1897–1911, Carrère and Hastings, architects (June, 2003) Carrère and Hastings, the firm of John Mervin Carrère (November 9, 1858 – March 1, 1911) and Thomas Hastings (1860 - 1929), sited in New York City, was one of the outstanding Beaux-Arts... This article is about the geological formation. ... The Corinthian order as used for the portico of the Pantheon, Rome provided a prominent model for Renaissance and later architects, through the medium of engravings. ... For other uses, see Column (disambiguation). ... Russell Page (1906-1985) was a British landscape architect and garden designer. ... The United States National Arboretum is an arboretum in Washington D.C., owned by the United States Department of Agriculture. ... This article is about the ancient city. ... The Basilica of Saint Peter (Latin: ), officially known in Italian as the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano and commonly known as St. ... St Pauls Cathedral is a cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London in London, and the seat of the Bishop of London. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... The cathedral dominates the city skyline St. ... Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, English transliteration: Sankt-Peterburg), colloquially known as Питер (transliterated Piter), formerly known as Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991) and Petrograd (Петрогра́д, 1914–1924), is a city located in Northwestern Russia on the delta of the river Neva at the east end of the Gulf of Finland... Union Jack. ...

20th century

Underground tunnels (and even a private underground railway) connect the main Capitol building with each of the Congressional office buildings in the surrounding complex. All rooms in the Capitol are designated as either S (for Senate) or H (for House), depending on whether they are north (Senate) or south (House) of the Rotunda. Similarly, rooms in the Congressional office buildings are designated as HOB (for House Office Building, which are all south of the Capitol) or SOB (for Senate Office Building, which are all north of the Capitol).^{[citation needed]} Additionally, all addresses in Washington, D. C. are designated NE, NW, SE, or SW, in relationship to the Rotunda. (Since the Capitol Rotunda is not located in the center of the District — it is slightly farther east and south — the four D.C. quadrants are not the same shape and size.) The United States Capitol Subway System in Washington, D.C. consists of three underground electric light rail systems that connect the U.S. Capitol building to the House and Senate office buildings. ... The largely ceremonial space within the United States Capitol is augmented by office, meeting and service spaces within the Congressional office buildings. ... Capitol dome The rotunda is the central rotunda and dome of the United States Capitol. ...

On June 20, 2000, ground was broken for the Capitol Visitor Center, which is due to open in Summer 2008. Since 2001, the East Front of the Capitol (site of most Presidential Inaugurations until Ronald Reagan broke tradition in 1981) has been the site of construction for this massive underground complex, designed to facilitate a more orderly entrance for visitors to the Capitol. (When construction is complete, the East Front will be restored to its earlier, pre-pavement appearance.) Prior to the center being built, visitors to the Capitol had to queue on the parking lot and ascend the stairs, whereupon entry was made through the massive sculpted Columbus Doors, through a small narthex (with cramped security) and thence directly into the Rotunda. The new underground facility will provide a grand entrance hall, a visitors theater, room for exhibits, and dining and restroom facilities, in addition to space for building necessities such as an underground service tunnel. Some people, however, lament the loss of the ability of the common person to walk right into the Capitol. is the 171st day of the year (172nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... At nearly 580,000 square feet, the CVC is the largest project in the Capitol’s 212-year history and is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself. ... Inauguration Day 2005 of President George W. Bush on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. ... Reagan redirects here. ... The narthex of a church is the entrance or lobby area. ... This article belongs in one or more categories. ...

Exterior

The West front of the United States Capitol seen from the Capitol Reflection Pool (2007)

Capitol Reflection Pool The Capitol Reflection Pool lies to the west of the United States Capitol Building, and is the western most element of the Capitol Grounds. ...

Grounds

The Capitol Grounds cover approximately 274 acres (1.11 km²), with the grounds proper consisting mostly of lawns, walkways, streets, drives, and planting areas. The current grounds were designed by noted American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who planned the expansion and landscaping performed from 1874 to 1892. In 1875, as one of his first recommendations, Olmsted proposed the construction of the marble terraces on the north, west, and south sides of the building that exist today. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Landscape architecture. ... {{Infobox Person | name = | image = FLOlmstead. ... For other uses, see Marble (disambiguation). ... In gardening, a terrace is an element where a raised flat paved or gravelled section overlooks a prospect. ...

Olmstead also designed the Summer House, the open-air brick building that sits just north of the Capitol. Three arches open into the hexagonal structure, which encloses a fountain and twenty-two brick chairs. A fourth wall holds a small window that looks onto an artificial grotto. Built between 1879 and 1881, the Summer House was intended to answer complaints that visitors to the Capitol had no place to sit and no place to obtain water for their horses and themselves. Modern drinking fountains have since replaced Olmsted's fountain for the latter purpose. Olmsted intended to build a second, matching Summer House on the southern side of the Capitol, but Congressional objections led to the project's cancellation. For other uses, see Arch (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... The worlds highest fountain: King Fahds Fountain in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Three traditional fountain features: a low jet, a pair of raised basins, and sculpture with a water theme, here hippocamps (Villa Borghese, Rome) A traditional fountain is an arrangement where water issues from a source (Latin fons...

Flags

Up to four U.S. flags can be seen flying over the Capitol. Two flagpoles are at the base of the dome on the East and West front. These flagpoles have flown the flag day and night since World War I. The other two flagpoles are above the North and South wings of the building and fly only when the chamber below is in session. The flag above the House of Representatives is raised and lowered by pages. Several auxiliary flagpoles, to the west of the dome and invisible from the ground, are used to meet Members' requests for flags flown over the Capitol. Constituents of Members of Congress pay to have a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol for a short time to commemorate a variety of events (death of a veteran family member, birthdays, etc.). “The Great War ” redirects here. ... The United States House of Representatives Page Program is a program run by the United States House of Representatives in which appointed high school juniors act as non-partisan federal employees in the House of Representatives, providing supplemental administrative support to House operations in a variety of capacities in Washington... A Congressman or Congresswoman (generically, Congressperson) is a politician who is a member of a Congress. ...

Interior

Art

The fresco painted on the interior of the Capitol's dome titled The Apotheosis of Washington was painted by Constantino Brumidi.

National Statuary Hall Collection

Old Supreme Court Chamber

The Capitol has a long history in art of the United States, beginning in 1856 with Italian-American artist Constantino Brumidi and his murals in the hallways of the first floor of the Senate side of the Capitol. The murals, known as the Brumidi Corridors,^[21] reflect great moments and people in United States history. Among the original works are those depicting Benjamin Franklin, John Fitch, Robert Fulton, and events such as the Cession of Louisiana. Also decorating the walls are animals, insects and natural flora indigenous to the United States. Brumidi's design left many spaces open so that future events in United States history could be added. Among those added are the Spirit of St. Louis, the Moon landing, and the Challenger shuttle crew. Brumidi also worked within the Capitol Rotunda. He is responsible for the painting of The Apotheosis of Washington beneath the top of the dome, and also the famous Frieze of United States History.^[22] The Apotheosis of Washington was completed in 11 months and painted by Brumidi while suspended nearly 180 feet (55 m) in the air. It is said the be the first attempt by the United States to deify a founding father. Washington is depicted surrounded by 13 maidens in an inner ring with many Greek and Roman gods and goddesses below him in a second ring. The frieze is located around the inside of the base of the dome and is a chronological, pictorial history of the United States from the landing of Christopher Columbus to the Wright Brothers's flight in Kitty Hawk. The frieze was started in 1878 and was not completed until 1953. The frieze was therefore painted by four different artists: Brumidi, Filippo Costaggini, Charles Ayer Whipple, and Allyn Cox. The final scenes depicted in the fresco had not yet occurred when Brumidi began his Frieze of the United States History. Download high resolution version (2016x1512, 1080 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (2016x1512, 1080 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... The Apotheosis of Washington The Apotheosis of Washington (also known as The Apotheosis of George Washington) is a fresco painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865 atop the rotunda of the United States Capitol. ... Constantino Brumidi Constantino Brumidi (July 26, 1805 in Rome, Italy-February 19, 1880, Washington, DC), was an Italian-American historical painter, best known and honored for his fresco work in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Parentage and early life Brumidis father was a native of Filiatra (in western... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Part of the National Statuary Hall Collection The National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. ... Americas first well-known school of painting—the Hudson River School—appeared in 1820. ... Constantino Brumidi Constantino Brumidi (July 26, 1805 in Rome, Italy-February 19, 1880, Washington, DC), was an Italian-American historical painter, best known and honored for his fresco work in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Parentage and early life Brumidis father was a native of Filiatra (in western... Salle des illustres, ceiling painting, by Jean André Rixens. ... The Brumidi Corridors are the vaulted, ornately-decorated corridors on the first floor of the Senate wing in the United States Capitol. ... American history redirects here. ... This article is about the American political figure. ... John Fitch (born on January 21, 1743 in South Windsor, Connecticut, died by suicide July, 1798) was a clockmaker, brassworker, and silversmith who built the first recorded steam powered ship in the United States, in 1786. ... For other persons named Robert Fulton, see Robert Fulton (disambiguation). ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... For other uses, see The Spirit of St. ... Still frame from the video transmission of Neil Armstrong stepping onto the surface of the Moon on 20 July 1969. ... For further information about Challengers mission and crew, see STS-51-L. The iconic image of Space Shuttle Challengers smoke plume after its breakup 73 seconds after launch. ... The center area of the US Capitol Building. ... The Apotheosis of Washington The Apotheosis of Washington (also known as The Apotheosis of George Washington) is a fresco painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865 atop the rotunda of the United States Capitol. ... Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, by Howard Chandler Christy. ... A head of Minerva found in the ruins of the Roman baths in Bath Roman mythology, the mythological beliefs of the people of Ancient Rome, can be considered as having two parts. ... Frieze of the Tower of the Winds. ... Christopher Columbus (1451 – May 20, 1506) was a navigator, colonizer, and explorer and one of the first Europeans to explore the Americas after the Vikings. ... The Wright brothers, Orville (19 August 1871 – 30 January 1948) and Wilbur (16 April 1867 – 30 May 1912), were two Americans who are generally credited[1][2][3] with inventing and building the worlds first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human... Kitty Hawk is a town located in Dare County, North Carolina. ... Filippo Costaggini Filippo Costaggini (1839 - 1904) was an artist from Rome, Italy, who worked in the United States Capitol. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ...

Within the Rotunda is also located eight paintings of the development of the United States as a nation. On the east side are four paintings depicting major events in the discovery of America. On the west are four paintings depicting the founding of the United States. The east side paintings include The Baptism of Pocahontas by John Gadsby Chapman, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims by Robert W. Weir, The Discovery of the Mississippi by William H. Powell, and The Landing of Columbus by John Vanderlyn. On the west side is The Declaration of Independence, The Surrender of General Burgoyne, The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and General George Washington Resigning His Commission, all painted by John Trumbull, a contemporary of United State's founding fathers and a participant in the U.S. Revolutionary War. In fact, Trumbull painted himself into The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis. A 1616 engraving of Pocahontas by Simone van de Passe. ... Baptism of Pocahontas by John G. Chapman, 1840. ... This article is about a particular group of seventeenth-century European colonists of North America. ... Embarkation of the Pilgrims, Robert Weirs most well known work in the United States rotunda. ... For the river in Canada, see Mississippi River (Ontario). ... Powells Battle of Lake Erie larger version found at the United States Capitol. ... Self portrait, John Vanderlyn, 1800 John Vanderlyn (October 18, 1776 - September 23, 1852) was a U.S. neoclassicist painter, was born at Kingston, New York. ... John Trumbulls Declaration of Independence is an iconic 12- by 18-foot painting in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda depicting the presentation of the draft of the Declaration to Congress. ... General John Burgoyne (February 24, 1722 – August 4, 1792) was a British army officer, politician and dramatist. ... Cornwallis redirects here. ... This article is about the American painter. ... The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War of Independence, was a war fought primarily between Great Britain and revolutionaries within thirteen of her North American colonies. ...

The Capitol also houses the National Statuary Hall Collection, comprised of two statues donated by each of the fifty states to honor persons notable in their histories. One of the most notable statues in the National Statuary Hall is a bronze statue of King Kamehameha donated by the state of Hawaii upon its accession to the union in 1959. The statue's extraordinary weight of 15,000 pounds raised concerns that it might come crashing through the floor, so it was moved to a position in the Hall which could withstand the weight load. The 100th, and last statue for the collection, that of Po'pay from the state of New Mexico, was added on September 22, 2005. Part of the National Statuary Hall Collection The National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      A U.S. state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of... Rare, water preserved Greek Athlete 310. ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Features

The President delivers the annual State of the Union Address in the House chamber

Under the Rotunda there is an area known as the Crypt. It was designed to look down on the final resting place of George Washington in the tomb below. However, under the stipulations of his last will, Washington was buried at Mount Vernon, and as such the area remains open to visitors. The Crypt now houses exhibits on the history of the Capitol. A star inlaid in the floor marks the point at which Washington D.C. is divided into its four quadrants; however, the exact center of the city lies near the White House. At one end of the room near the Old Supreme Court is a statue of John C. Calhoun. On the right leg of the statue, a mark from a bullet fired during the 1998 shooting incident is clearly visible. The bullet also left a mark on the cape, located on the back right side of the statue. President George W. Bush delivers his State of the Union address to the nation and a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, Jan. ... President George W. Bush delivers his State of the Union address to the nation and a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, Jan. ... State of the Union redirects here. ... The United States Capitol crypt, older image taken looking east. ... Washingtons Tomb is a small room in the basement of the United States Capitol building. ... In the common law, a will or testament is a document by which a person (the testator) regulates the rights of others over his property or family after death. ... Back of the main house. ... An address is a code and abstract concept expressing the fixed location of a home, business or other building on the earths surface. ... John Caldwell Calhoun (March 18, 1782 – March 31, 1850) was a leading United States Southern politician and political philosopher from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. ...

Eleven other presidents have lain in state in the Rotunda for public viewing, most recently Gerald Ford. The tomb meant for Washington now stores the catafalque which is used to support caskets lying in state or honor in the Capitol. After the Capitol Visitors Center is completed, the catafalque will be on display for the general public to see when not in use. Lying-in-state is the term used during a major funeral procession when the coffin is placed on public view to allow members of the public to pay their respects to the deceased. ... For other persons named Gerald Ford, see Gerald Ford (disambiguation). ... Look up catafalque in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Construction on the East front for the CVC The United States Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) is an addition to the United States Capitol which will serve as a gathering point for visitors and tourists. ...

In the basement of the Capitol building in a utility room are two marble bathtubs, which are all that remain of the once elaborate Senate baths. These baths were a spa-like facility designed for members of Congress and their guests before many buildings in the city had modern plumbing. The facilities included several bathtubs, a barbershop, and a massage parlor.

There are also 365 steps leading up to the West Front of the Capitol Building, each representing a day in the year.

House Chamber

The House of Representatives Chamber is adorned with relief portraits of famous lawmakers and lawgivers throughout history. Bas relief is a method of sculpting which entails carving or etching away the surface of a flat piece of stone or metal. ...

In order clockwise around the chamber:

For other persons named George Mason, see George Mason (disambiguation). ... Robert Joseph Pothier (January 9, 1699 - March 2, 1772), was a French jurist. ... Jean-Baptiste Colbert Jean-Baptiste Colbert (August 29, 1619 - September 6, 1683) served as the French minister of finance, for 22 years, under King Louis XIV. He is notable for his work at improving the state of French manufacturing and bringing the economy back from the brink of bankruptcy; although... Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307), popularly known as Longshanks[1], also as Edward the Lawgiver or the English Justinian because of his legal reforms, and as Hammer of the Scots,[2] achieved fame as the monarch who conquered Wales and tried to do the same to Scotland. ... Alfonso X, El Sabio, or the Learned, (November 23, 1221 - April 4, 1284) was a king of Castile and León (1252 - 1284). ... Pope Gregory IX, born Ugolino dei Conti, was pope from 1227 to August 22, 1241. ... Louis IX (25 April 1215 – 25 August 1270), commonly Saint Louis, was King of France from 1226 to his death. ... This article is about the Roman emperor. ... Tribonian (c. ... // Lycurgus Lycurgus (Greek: , Lukoûrgos; 700 BC?–630 BC) was the legendary lawgiver of Sparta, who established the military-oriented reformation of Spartan society in accordance with the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi. ... For the computer game, see Hamurabi. ... Moses with the Tablets, 1659, by Rembrandt This article is about the Biblical figure. ... For other uses, see Solon (disambiguation). ... Papinian (Aemilius Papinianus) (died AD 212), was a Roman jurist, magister libellorum and afterwards praetorian prefect under Septimius Severus. ... Gaius was a celebrated Roman jurist. ... Commonly used image indicating one artists conception of Maimonidess appearance Maimonides (March 30, 1135 or 1138–December 13, 1204) was a Jewish rabbi, physician, and philosopher in Spain, Morocco and Egypt during the Middle Ages. ... Suleiman I (Ottoman Turkish: Sulaymān, Turkish: ; almost always Kanuni Sultan Süleyman) (November 6, 1494 – September 5/6, 1566), was the tenth and longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, from 1520 to his death in 1566. ... Pope Innocent III (c. ... From the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives Simon V de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester (1208 – August 4, 1265) was the principal leader of the baronial opposition to King Henry III of England. ... Hugo Grotius (Huig de Groot, or Hugo de Groot; Delft, 10 April 1583 – Rostock, 28 August 1645) worked as a jurist in the Dutch Republic and laid the foundations for international law, based on natural law. ... Sir William Blackstone, (July 10, 1723 - February 14, 1780) was an English jurist and professor who produced the historical treatise on the common law called Commentaries on the Laws of England, first published in four volumes over 1765–1769. ... Napoléon I, Emperor of the French (born Napoleone di Buonaparte, changed his name to Napoléon Bonaparte)[1] (15 August 1769; Ajaccio, Corsica – 5 May 1821; Saint Helena) was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic from... Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 N.S.–4 July 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–09), the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States. ...

Senate Chamber

The Senate Chamber is adorned with white marble busts of the former Presidents of the Senate (Vice Presidents).^[23] The Vice President of the United States[1] (sometimes referred to as VPOTUS,[2] Veep, or VP) is the first person in the presidential line of succession, becoming the new President of the United States upon the death, resignation, or removal of the president. ...

Major events

The body of former President Ronald Reagan lying in state

The Capitol, as well as the grounds of Capitol Hill, have played host to major events. Among the major events the Capitol has hosted: Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For the pop band, see Presidents of the United States of America. ... Reagan redirects here. ... Lying-in-state is the term used during a major funeral procession when the coffin is placed on public view to allow members of the public to pay their respects to the deceased. ...

• Presidential inaugurations
• Independence Day
• National Memorial Day Concert
• Americans lying in state. Among them:
  • Senator Henry Clay (1852), the first person to lie in state at the Capitol.
  • President Abraham Lincoln (1865)
  • Representative Thaddeus Stevens (1868)
  • President James Garfield (1881)
  • President William McKinley (1901)
  • President Warren Harding (1923)
  • President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft (1930)
  • President John F. Kennedy (1963)
  • General Douglas MacArthur (1964)
  • President Herbert Hoover (1964)
  • President Dwight Eisenhower (1969)
  • Senator Everett Dirksen (1969)
  • Director of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover (1972)
  • President Lyndon Johnson (1973)
  • Vice-President Hubert Humphrey (1978)
  • Representative Claude Pepper (1989)
  • President Ronald Reagan (2004)
  • President Gerald Ford (2006–07)
• Americans lying in honor:
  • Officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson (1998), the two officers killed in the 1998 shooting incident (Chestnut was the first African American ever to lie in honor in the Capitol)
  • Civil rights icon Rosa Parks: the first woman and second African American to lie in honor in the Capitol (2005).

Inauguration Day 2005 of President George W. Bush on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. ... These fireworks over the Washington Monument are typical of Fourth of July celebrations In the United States, Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. ... This article is about the holiday in the United States. ... Lying-in-state is the term used during a major funeral procession when the coffin is placed on public view to allow members of the public to pay their respects to the deceased. ... Henry Clay, Sr. ... For other uses, see Abraham Lincoln (disambiguation). ... Thaddeus Stevens (April 4, 1792 – August 11, 1868), was one of the most powerful members of the United States House of Representatives, representing the state of Pennsylvania. ... James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831–September 19, 1881) was a major general in the United States Army, member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the twentieth President of the United States. ... This article is about the 25th President of the United States; for other people named William McKinley, see William McKinley (disambiguation). ... Warren Gamaliel Harding (November 2, 1865 - August 2, 1923) was the 29th (1921-1923) President of the United States and the sixth President to die in office. ... For other persons named William Howard Taft, see William Howard Taft (disambiguation). ... JFK redirects here. ... This article is about the American general; for the municipality in the Philippines, see General MacArthur, Eastern Samar. ... Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 – October 20, 1964), the thirty-first President of the United States (1929–1933), was a world-famous mining engineer and humanitarian administrator. ... Dwight David Ike Eisenhower (October 14, 1890–March 28, 1969), American soldier and politician, was the 34th President of the United States (1953–1961) and supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, with the rank of General of the Army. ... Everett McKinley Dirksen Everett McKinley Dirksen (January 4, 1896 – September 7, 1969) was a Republican U.S. Congressman and Senator from Illinois. ... John Edgar Hoover (January 1, 1895 – May 2, 1972), known popularly as J. Edgar Hoover, was the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States. ... Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908–January 22, 1973), often referred to as LBJ, was an American politician. ... For other uses, see Hubert Humphrey (disambiguation). ... Claude Denson Pepper (September 8, 1900 – May 30, 1989) was an American politician of the Democratic Party, and a spokesman for liberalism and the elderly. ... Reagan redirects here. ... For other persons named Gerald Ford, see Gerald Ford (disambiguation). ... Lying in state is a term used to describe the tradition in which a coffin is placed on view to allow the public at large to pay their respects to the deceased. ... Russell Eugene Weston Jr. ... Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) was an African American civil rights activist and seamstress whom the U.S. Congress dubbed the Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement. Parks is famous for her refusal on December 1, 1955 to obey bus driver James Blake...

Security

The Capitol as seen at night

On July 2nd, 1915, Several years before America's entry into World War I, Frank Holt (a.k.a. Eric Muenter), a German professor who wanted to stop American support of the Allies in World War I, exploded a bomb in the reception room of the U.S. Senate. The next morning he tried to assassinate J.P. Morgan, Jr., son of the financier, at his home on Long Island. In a letter to the Washington Evening Star published after the blast, Muenter writing under an assumed name, said he hoped that the detonation would “make enough noise to be heard above the voices that clamor for war” J.P. Morgan’s company served as Great Britain’s principal U.S. purchasing agent for munitions and other war supplies. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (4529x3418, 3771 KB) Summary A mosaic image of around 10 segments taken with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (4529x3418, 3771 KB) Summary A mosaic image of around 10 segments taken with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. ... July 2 is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 182 days remaining. ... Year 1915 (MCMXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday[1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... John Pierpont Morgan, Jr. ... The Washington Star was a daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C.. It was first published by Captain Joseph Borrows Tate as The Daily Evening Star on December 16, 1852. ...

In 1954, Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire on members of Congress from the visitors gallery. The U.S. Capitol shooting incident of 1954 was an attack on March 1, 1954 by four Puerto Rican nationalists who shot thirty rounds of a Luger and automatic pistol from the Ladies Gallery (a balcony for visitors) of the U.S. House of Representatives into the floor of the...

On March 1, 1971, a bomb exploded on the ground floor of the Capitol, placed by the New Left group, the Weather Underground or Weathermen. They placed the bomb as a demonstration against U.S. involvement in Laos. is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the 1971 Gregorian calendar, known as the year of cyclohexanol. ... The New Left were the left-wing movements in different countries in the 1960s and 1970s that, unlike the earlier leftist focus on union activism, instead adopted a broader definition of political activism commonly called social activism. ... For other uses, see Weatherman (disambiguation). ...

On November 7, 1983, a group called the Armed Resistance Unit claimed responsibility for a bomb that detonated in the lobby outside the office of Senate Minority Leader Robert Byrd.^[24] Six people associated with the John Brown Anti-Klan Committee were later found in contempt of court for refusing to testify about the bombing.^[25] In 1990 three members of the Armed Resistance Unit were convicted of the bombing, which they claimed was in response to the invasion of Grenada.^[26] is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Jimi Hendrix song, see 1983. ... The 1983 U.S. Senate bombing was a bomb explosion at the United States Senate on November 7, 1983. ... Robert Carlyle Byrd (born November 20, 1917) is the senior United States Senator from West Virginia and a member of the Democratic Party. ... Contempt of court is a court ruling which, in the context of a court trial or hearing, deems an individual as holding contempt for the court, its process, and its invested powers. ... Combatants  United States  Antigua and Barbuda  Barbados  Dominica  Jamaica  Saint Lucia  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  Grenada  Cuba Commanders Ronald Reagan Joseph Metcalf H. Norman Schwarzkopf Hudson Austin Pedro Tortolo Strength 7,300 Grenada: 1,500 regulars Cuba: about 722 (mostly military engineers)[1] Casualties 19 killed; 116 wounded[2...

On July 24, 1998, Russell Eugene Weston Jr. burst into the Capitol and opened fire, killing two Capitol Police officers. is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... Russell Eugene Weston Jr. ... The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is a police force charged with protecting the United States Congress within the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories. ...

The Capitol building is believed to have been the intended target of the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, before it crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania after passengers tried to take over control of the plane from hijackers.^[27][28] Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the roads and grounds around the U.S. Capitol Building have undergone dramatic changes. For other uses of Flight 93 and United 93, see Flight 93. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Somerset County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. ... A sequential look at United Flight 175 crashing into the south tower of the World Trade Center The September 11, 2001 attacks (often referred to as 9/11—pronounced nine eleven or nine one one) consisted of a series of coordinated terrorist[1] suicide attacks upon the United States, predominantly...

On June 9, 2004, while en route to memorial services for former president Ronald Reagan, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher's plane inadvertently caused a security scare. It caused the Capitol to be evacuated, because the transponder of the plane failed while flying in restricted airspace above the Capitol. The security scare happened just moments before the plane with Reagan's body touched down at Andrews Air Force Base. Former United States First Lady Nancy Reagan kisses the casket of her husband, Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan during the week long state funeral honoring him in June of 2004. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Frankfort Largest city Louisville Area  Ranked 37th  - Total 40,444 sq mi (104,749 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... Emblem of the AFDW Andrews Air Force Base (ICAO code KADW) is a United States Air Force base near Washington, DC and the home base of the U.S. presidential aircraft, Air Force One. ...

Construction is well underway on an underground, 3-level, 580,000-square-foot (54,000 m²) United States Capitol Visitor Center by the east face of the Capitol. The estimated final cost as of March 2007 is about $600 million.^[29] The project had long been in the planning stages, but the attacks provided the impetus to start work. Construction began in the fall of 2001. Security is expected to be enhanced by directing all public visitors through the center. Critics say that security improvements have been the least of the project's expense; indeed, construction delays and added features by Congress continue to add to the cost. Citizens Against Government Waste have called it a Monument to Waste.^[30] However many, including those who work in the Capitol, consider it a necessary and appropriate historical project. It will be mainly underground, though skylights will provide views of the Capitol dome. ... USD redirects here. ... Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) is a prominent taxpayer watchdog group in the USA. Its stated goal is to eliminate waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the federal government. ...

The United States Capitol Police have also installed checkpoints to inspect vehicles at specific locations around Capitol Hill,^[31][32] and have closed a section of one street indefinitely.^[32] The level of screening employed varies. On the main east-west thoroughfares of Constitution and Independence Avenues, barricades are implanted in the roads that can be raised in the event of an emergency. Trucks larger than pickups are interdicted by the Capitol Police and are instructed to use other routes. On the checkpoints at the shorter cross streets, the barriers are typically kept in a permanent “emergency” position, and only vehicles with special permits are allowed to pass. In Washington, D.C., Independence Avenue is a major east-west street running just south of the United States Capitol in the citys Southwest and Southeast quadrants. ... Closeup of a collection of blinker equipped barricades A barricade is any object or structure that creates a barrier or obstacle to control, block passage or force the flow of traffic in the desired direction. ...

All Capitol visitors are screened by a magnetometer, and all items that visitors may bring inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. The U.S. Capitol bans weapons, battery operated devices, recording devices, bags, cans, bottles, creams, perfumes, strollers, food and beverages, and knives in the Gallery. [1]

Finally, structures ranging from scores of Jersey barriers to hundreds of ornamental bollards have been erected to obstruct the path of any vehicles that might stray from the designated roadways. Each of the poles is reported to cost $7,500.^[33] Jersey wall on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge near Washington, D.C. A Jersey barrier or Jersey wall separates lanes of traffic (often opposing lanes of traffic) with a goal of minimizing vehicle crossover in the case of accidents. ... // A bollard is a short vertical post. ...

Visiting the Capitol

The National Mall looking on the Capitol in Winter

The United States Capitol is open for visitation Monday through Saturday through much of the year, including Federal holidays. During the work week, entry into the Capitol can be found through three means. One, procuring passes for a public guided tour from the United States Capitol Guides at a kiosk on the southwest corner of the grounds; second, via reserved tours arranged through one's Senator's or Representative's office; and third, by obtaining gallery passes to view the chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate (passes are obtained from Representative/Senator office for corresponding chamber, and for international visitors, by simply showing a photo ID to the Capitol Guides). The gallery for the House of Representatives is open for visitation from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, or while the Representatives are in session. The gallery for the United States Senate is only open when the Senate is in session. Both galleries are closed on Saturday, unless either house is in session. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... The United States Capitol Guide Service is a guide service charged by the United States Congress to provide guided tours of the interior of the United States Capitol Building for the education and enlightenment of the general public, without charge for such tours. ...

Notes

The logotype of the United States Government Printing Office In the United States, the Government Printing Office (GPO) provides printed (and now electronic) copies of documents produced by and for all federal agencies, including the Supreme Court, the Congress, and all executive branch agencies like the FCC and EPA. Court... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 161st day of the year (162nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For information on Wikipedia press releases, see Wikipedia:Press releases. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Washington Post is the largest newspaper in Washington, D.C.. It is also one of the citys oldest papers, having been founded in 1877. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

References

• Frary, Ihna Thayer (1969). They Built the Capitol. Ayer Publishing. ISBN 0836950895. 
• Hazelton, George Cochrane (1907). The National Capitol. J. F. Taylor & Co., p. 84. 

Further reading

• Associated Press (2005). Capitol slave labor studied. Washington Times. Retrieved on February 18, 2006.
• White House Historical Association (Date unknown). 1790s—African Americans. Timelines. Retrieved on February 18, 2006.
• Armed Resistance Unit Bombs US Capitol, Death To The Klan (Winter, 1984, No.3).
• F.B.I. Chief Says Capitol Bombing Resembles Other Blasts, Leslie Maitland Werner, The New York Times, November 11, 1983, Sec A; Page 24.

Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 315th day of the year (316th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Jimi Hendrix song, see 1983. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

United States Capitol

• Capitol Visitors Center
• United States Capitol Historical Society
• Architect of the Capitol
• Capitol History Project - Documentary and website by C-SPAN
• National Capitol Columns at the United States Arboretum
• WashingtonPost.com: Protection vs. 'the People's House'
• Cupolas of Capitalism Gallery - United States Capitol (1 of 8)
• U.S. Senate: Visitors Center Home
• Temple of Liberty: Building the Capitol for a New Nation via Library of Congress
• "Examining the Capitol dome", in Civil Engineering Magazine, October 2000
• Arbor Friends, Spring 1999: Take the Tram Tour for a Taste of the Arboretum's Pleasures
• Outdoor sculpture at or near the Capitol on dcMemorials.com
• Balloon View in 1861 of Washington D.C. showing Construction of Capitol during the beginning of the American Civil War.
• Maps and aerial photos
  • Hybrid satellite image/street map from WikiMapia

Coordinates: 38°53′23″N, 77°0′32″W The National Capitol Columns originally supported the old East Portico of the United States Capitol (1828). ... Construction of the Thomas Jefferson Building, from July 8, 1888 to May 15, 1894. ... Combatants United States of America (Union) Confederate States of America (Confederacy) Commanders Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee Strength 2,200,000 1,064,000 Casualties 110,000 killed in action, 360,000 total dead, 275,200 wounded 93,000 killed in action, 258,000 total... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...