U.S. Capitol: then and now

1902 vs 2008 · Washington DC

NowThen

Then, 1902A color photo print of the building from 1902, when the grounds were quieter.Photo: Library of Congress (Prints and Photographs) · Public domain · Source · resized

Today, 2008Carol Highsmith took this photo on December 7, 2008.Photo: Carol M. Highsmith (Library of Congress) · Public domain · Source · resized

The story

George Washington helped lay the cornerstone on September 18, 1793. William Thornton designed the original building.

On August 24, 1814, British troops burned the Capitol during the War of 1812. It was repaired and the work was finished by 1826.

The cast-iron dome you see now was designed by Thomas U. Walter. The decision to replace the old dome was made in 1855, and it was finished around 1866. The Capitol is the meeting place of the U.S. Congress.

Did you know? The dome is made of cast iron, painted to look like stone.

Historians argue about this. Who designed the Capitol is argued over. William Thornton's plan was approved in 1793, but other architects changed it a lot, and some credit the dome idea to L'Enfant.

Fact or tall tale?

SolidGeorge Washington took part in laying the Capitol's cornerstone in 1793.
Wikipedia reports he laid it on September 18, 1793, with Freemasons.
Not trueThe Capitol's dome is made of solid stone.
The dome is cast iron, designed by Thomas U. Walter and finished around 1866.

Sources

More: Look for historic photos at the Library of Congress

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Next: Jefferson Memorial. Written from the cited sources, not yet walked on site unless noted.