A Brief Overview of the Capitol Building
The United States Capitol Building is the meeting place of the United States Congress and the legislative part of the U.S. federal government. Located in Washington, D.C., the Capitol houses the House of Representatives, the chambers of the Senate, and the offices of many government officials. It has been the site of presidential inaugurations, Supreme Court proceedings, and other significant events in American history. The building is an iconic symbol of democracy and one of the National Historic Landmarks.
(Credit – National Park Service)
History
The Capitol Building is the seat of the United States government, located in Washington, D.C. It houses the federal government’s legislative branch, including the Senate and House of Representatives. William Thornton, a physician and amateur architect from Scotland, designed the building and construction from 1793 to 1827.
The Capitol Building has been the site of many important historical events, including the inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and the swearing-in of President Barack Obama in 2009. The building has also been the subject of several renovation projects, including adding a new dome in 1866 and constructing a new Capitol Visitor Center in 2008.
Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, with more than a million visitors each year. It continues to serve as the seat of the United States government and is a symbol of the nation’s democracy and freedom.
The Architecture of the Capitol Building
a. Interior
The interior of the Capitol Building is impressive. The walls are white marble, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and artwork adorning them. The floors are of polished marble, and the ceilings are fresco-style. The building has ornate furnishings, including marble columns, gilded mirrors, and rich fabrics.
The Rotunda is the centerpiece of the Capitol Building, a grand room with a dome ceiling adorned with fresco paintings. The paintings depict events from American history, such as the indication of the Declaration of Independence. The walls of the Rotunda are in-lined with busts of prominent Americans, including presidents and Supreme Court justices.
b. Exterior
The exterior of the Capitol Building is an impressive sight to behold. It is made of white marble and granite and topped with a large dome. At the base of the building are four wings that meet in the center, and at the very top of the crown is a statue of the goddess of freedom.
On the eastern side of the building, two large staircases lead up to the main entrance, flanked by two statues of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The north and south sides feature majestic colonnades, and each wing beautifies a frieze of sculptures depicting important events in American history. The grounds surrounding the building are planted with trees and shrubs and contain monuments to famous Americans, including a statue of Abraham Lincoln.
Events
- Inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln (1861): President Abraham Lincoln inaugurated the East Portico of the Capitol Building on March 4, 1861. It was the first inauguration in the building since its completion in 1829.
- The Civil War (1861–1865): The Capitol Building was a refuge for Union Army troops during the Civil War. It was also the site of President Lincoln’s second inauguration in 1865.
- The Statue of Freedom (1862): The Statue of Freedom was at the top of the Capitol dome in 1863. Thomas Crawford designed the 19-foot-tall bronze statue, an iconic symbol of the United States.
- The Capitol Building Expansion (1873–1908): As the nation’s population grew, the Capitol Building underwent several expansions, including the addition of the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Capitol Rotunda.
- The Capitol Building Renovations (1951–1958): In the 1950s, the Capitol Building underwent a major renovation. It included a new fountain, an underground visitor center, and a reflecting pool.
- The Capitol Visitor Center (2008): The Capitol Visitor Center was opened in 2008 and is the largest public project ever undertaken by the federal government. It includes a new Capitol building entrance, a museum, and a theater.
Conclusion
It symbolizes the United States’ democracy, rich history and is a testament to the American people’s commitment to freedom, justice, and independence. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices of our forefathers, a reminder that “The government of the people, by the people, and for the people” is still alive and well. It is a source of pride and inspiration to the citizens of the United States and a reminder of the vital role that our government plays in our lives. It symbolizes our unity and our commitment to democracy and the American Dream.
