The U.S. Capitol Building

Years Built:

Between 1793 and 1830

Location:

Washington D.C.

Architects:

• William Thornton
• Benjamin Henry Latrobe
• Charles Bulfinch
• Dome by Thomas Ustick Walter (1851 to 1863)

Significance:

The neoclassical dome of the United States Capitol building has come to symbolize democracy for many people. America's governing bodies, the Senate and the House of Representatives, have gathered here for almost two centuries. During that time, the landmark building has seen many changes.

History:

When French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant planned the new city of Washington, he was expected to design the Capitol. But L'Enfant refused to submit plans and would not yield the authority of the Commissioners. L'Enfant was dismissed and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson proposed a public competition.

Like many buildings constructed during the founding of Washington DC, most of the labor was done by African Americans - some paid, and some slaves.

Style:

Most of the designers who submitted plans for the U.S. Capitol were inspired by Renaissance ideas. However, three entries were modeled after ancient classical buildings. Thomas Jefferson favored the classical plans, and suggested that the Capitol should resemble the Roman Pantheon with a circular domed rotunda.

Pictures:

• See historic illustrations and plans for the proposed Capitol Building in the Library of Congress collection of Early Architectural Drawings.

Learn More About the U.S. Capitol:

The U.S. Capitol Grounds
Over 100 varieties of trees and bushes are planted on 58.8 acres around the Capitol. Here's the story of the landscape architecture.

The Competition for the Capitol's Design
From the Library of Congress, illustrations, plans and documents from the proposals submitted for the United States Capitol building.

The Architect of the 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 Supreme Court building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities. The Web site for the Architect's office has extensive information about the history and architecture of the Capitol building.