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Questions and Answers
What style is the architecture of the U.S. Capitol primarily designed in?
What style is the architecture of the U.S. Capitol primarily designed in?
Which front of the U.S. Capitol was intended for the reception of visitors and dignitaries?
Which front of the U.S. Capitol was intended for the reception of visitors and dignitaries?
During the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783, which action did Governor John Dickinson refuse to take?
During the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783, which action did Governor John Dickinson refuse to take?
When did the United States Congress formally begin?
When did the United States Congress formally begin?
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What event prompted Congress to flee to Princeton, New Jersey, in 1783?
What event prompted Congress to flee to Princeton, New Jersey, in 1783?
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Which city was chosen as the temporary capital of the United States before Washington, D.C. was ready?
Which city was chosen as the temporary capital of the United States before Washington, D.C. was ready?
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What decision did Alexander Hamilton help broker regarding the location of the national capital?
What decision did Alexander Hamilton help broker regarding the location of the national capital?
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What is overseen by the architect of the Capitol?
What is overseen by the architect of the Capitol?
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What significant change occurred around the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks?
What significant change occurred around the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks?
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Which Pope was the first to give a joint address to Congress?
Which Pope was the first to give a joint address to Congress?
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What security measures were implemented following the January 6 Capitol attack?
What security measures were implemented following the January 6 Capitol attack?
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What is the main purpose of the United States Capitol Visitor Center (CVC)?
What is the main purpose of the United States Capitol Visitor Center (CVC)?
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What was the estimated final cost of constructing the United States Capitol Visitor Center?
What was the estimated final cost of constructing the United States Capitol Visitor Center?
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What structure helps obstruct the path of vehicles stray from designated roadways around the Capitol?
What structure helps obstruct the path of vehicles stray from designated roadways around the Capitol?
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Which design feature of the Capitol was created by Benjamin Henry Latrobe?
Which design feature of the Capitol was created by Benjamin Henry Latrobe?
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What unique educational feature does the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) house?
What unique educational feature does the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) house?
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How did the name 'Pierre Charles L'Enfant' become popularized?
How did the name 'Pierre Charles L'Enfant' become popularized?
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What significant aspect of Capitol security varies by location around the building?
What significant aspect of Capitol security varies by location around the building?
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What is depicted in The Apotheosis of Washington?
What is depicted in The Apotheosis of Washington?
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Which of the following events is represented in the Frieze of American History?
Which of the following events is represented in the Frieze of American History?
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Who painted the east side paintings in the Rotunda?
Who painted the east side paintings in the Rotunda?
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Which statue was added to the National Statuary Hall Collection last?
Which statue was added to the National Statuary Hall Collection last?
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What was the primary purpose of the Crypt in the Capitol?
What was the primary purpose of the Crypt in the Capitol?
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Who carved the massive bust of Abraham Lincoln located in the Crypt?
Who carved the massive bust of Abraham Lincoln located in the Crypt?
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What notable feature is located in the Capitol's Crypt?
What notable feature is located in the Capitol's Crypt?
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Which artist painted the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis?
Which artist painted the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis?
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How long did it take to complete The Apotheosis of Washington?
How long did it take to complete The Apotheosis of Washington?
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What is the total number of steps in the metal staircase leading from the basement to the Capitol's dome?
What is the total number of steps in the metal staircase leading from the basement to the Capitol's dome?
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What significant historical event was represented in the painting The Baptism of Pocahontas?
What significant historical event was represented in the painting The Baptism of Pocahontas?
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Which branch of the federal government does not have assigned seats in the chamber?
Which branch of the federal government does not have assigned seats in the chamber?
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Which relief portrait in the Chamber is sculpted from a full front view?
Which relief portrait in the Chamber is sculpted from a full front view?
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What concern was raised regarding the weight of King Kamehameha's statue?
What concern was raised regarding the weight of King Kamehameha's statue?
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Who designed the current Capitol Grounds?
Who designed the current Capitol Grounds?
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What theme did Gutzon Borglum pursue in his artwork?
What theme did Gutzon Borglum pursue in his artwork?
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What are the dimensions of the Capitol building?
What are the dimensions of the Capitol building?
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Which historical event does the Space Shuttle Challenger crew commemoratively relate to?
Which historical event does the Space Shuttle Challenger crew commemoratively relate to?
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Which chamber served as the meeting place for the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 50 years until 1857?
Which chamber served as the meeting place for the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 50 years until 1857?
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What is the inscription located below the clock in the House Chamber?
What is the inscription located below the clock in the House Chamber?
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How many representatives can the House of Representatives Chamber accommodate?
How many representatives can the House of Representatives Chamber accommodate?
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What was the primary purpose of the Summerhouse designed by Olmsted?
What was the primary purpose of the Summerhouse designed by Olmsted?
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Which events are hosted at the Capitol grounds?
Which events are hosted at the Capitol grounds?
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What was the Old Senate Chamber used for after serving as the legislative chamber of the Senate?
What was the Old Senate Chamber used for after serving as the legislative chamber of the Senate?
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Which individual was the first African American to lie in honor in the Capitol?
Which individual was the first African American to lie in honor in the Capitol?
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Which historical figure's quote is etched in the chamber of the House?
Which historical figure's quote is etched in the chamber of the House?
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What was the term 'Capitol' originally associated with in Roman culture?
What was the term 'Capitol' originally associated with in Roman culture?
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What major change occurred to the East Front of the Capitol building in 1958?
What major change occurred to the East Front of the Capitol building in 1958?
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Who laid the cornerstone of the Capitol building?
Who laid the cornerstone of the Capitol building?
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Which architect's design was praised for its 'Grandeur, Simplicity, and Beauty'?
Which architect's design was praised for its 'Grandeur, Simplicity, and Beauty'?
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Which architect firm was responsible for the design of the East Front of the Capitol building in 1904?
Which architect firm was responsible for the design of the East Front of the Capitol building in 1904?
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What was the width set for Pennsylvania Avenue, which connects Congress House to the President's House?
What was the width set for Pennsylvania Avenue, which connects Congress House to the President's House?
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Where were the original sandstone Corinthian columns stored after their removal from the Capitol?
Where were the original sandstone Corinthian columns stored after their removal from the Capitol?
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What event was commemorated on September 18, 1993, related to the Capitol building?
What event was commemorated on September 18, 1993, related to the Capitol building?
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Which part of the Capitol's design was derived from L'Enfant's original plan?
Which part of the Capitol's design was derived from L'Enfant's original plan?
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Which of the following was a result of the Capitol Visitor Center construction starting in 2000?
Which of the following was a result of the Capitol Visitor Center construction starting in 2000?
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What led to the confusion between 'Capitol' and 'capital'?
What led to the confusion between 'Capitol' and 'capital'?
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Which design by an architect was deemed too costly and overly fancy?
Which design by an architect was deemed too costly and overly fancy?
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How many tons of the original stone from the Capitol were removed during renovations?
How many tons of the original stone from the Capitol were removed during renovations?
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What was one of the significant issues with the architectural submissions for the Capitol design competition?
What was one of the significant issues with the architectural submissions for the Capitol design competition?
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What significant architectural style is the Capitol building an example of?
What significant architectural style is the Capitol building an example of?
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Who was appointed to review Thornton's plans and help with cost estimates?
Who was appointed to review Thornton's plans and help with cost estimates?
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What year was the Capitol declared a National Historic Landmark?
What year was the Capitol declared a National Historic Landmark?
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Which wing of the Capitol was completed first?
Which wing of the Capitol was completed first?
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Who created a suitable setting for the removed columns in 1984?
Who created a suitable setting for the removed columns in 1984?
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In what year did a large-scale Capitol dome restoration project commence?
In what year did a large-scale Capitol dome restoration project commence?
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Which city's architectural influence inspired William Thornton's design for the Capitol?
Which city's architectural influence inspired William Thornton's design for the Capitol?
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What notable event was associated with the construction of the Capitol Visitor Center?
What notable event was associated with the construction of the Capitol Visitor Center?
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What happened to Pierre L'Enfant in early 1792 regarding the federal city project?
What happened to Pierre L'Enfant in early 1792 regarding the federal city project?
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What structure did Jefferson propose to design a competition for after L'Enfant's dismissal?
What structure did Jefferson propose to design a competition for after L'Enfant's dismissal?
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What is the purpose of the commemorative bookends made from the removed stone?
What is the purpose of the commemorative bookends made from the removed stone?
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How were the original sandstone blocks of the Capitol repurposed?
How were the original sandstone blocks of the Capitol repurposed?
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Who operated under the supervision of James Hoban while working on the Capitol's construction?
Who operated under the supervision of James Hoban while working on the Capitol's construction?
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Which two prominent structures influenced the design of the Capitol dome?
Which two prominent structures influenced the design of the Capitol dome?
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What unique feature does the Capitol's architecture include for its chambers?
What unique feature does the Capitol's architecture include for its chambers?
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What was Benjamin Henry Latrobe's primary responsibility after his appointment as Surveyor of Public Buildings?
What was Benjamin Henry Latrobe's primary responsibility after his appointment as Surveyor of Public Buildings?
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Which of the following was a notable architectural achievement designed by Latrobe?
Which of the following was a notable architectural achievement designed by Latrobe?
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During which time period did the Capitol serve for Sunday religious services?
During which time period did the Capitol serve for Sunday religious services?
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What significant event occurred on August 24, 1814, impacting the Capitol?
What significant event occurred on August 24, 1814, impacting the Capitol?
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Who was appointed to oversee the Capitol's restoration after it was burned?
Who was appointed to oversee the Capitol's restoration after it was burned?
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Which president appointed Thomas U. Walter to carry out the expansion of the Capitol?
Which president appointed Thomas U. Walter to carry out the expansion of the Capitol?
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What was a consequence of the 1850 expansion of the Capitol?
What was a consequence of the 1850 expansion of the Capitol?
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What type of dome replaced the original in 1855?
What type of dome replaced the original in 1855?
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What was a unique feature of Thomas U. Walter's dome?
What was a unique feature of Thomas U. Walter's dome?
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Which type of construction workers were involved in the Capitol's expansion in the 1850s?
Which type of construction workers were involved in the Capitol's expansion in the 1850s?
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How did worship services in the House chamber reflect on the relationship between church and state during Jefferson and Madison's administrations?
How did worship services in the House chamber reflect on the relationship between church and state during Jefferson and Madison's administrations?
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What architectural feature of the Supreme Court chamber was unprecedented at the time of its construction?
What architectural feature of the Supreme Court chamber was unprecedented at the time of its construction?
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What aspect of the new dome's design required careful consideration during construction?
What aspect of the new dome's design required careful consideration during construction?
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In what way did the Capitol's visual proportions change after the new dome was completed?
In what way did the Capitol's visual proportions change after the new dome was completed?
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Study Notes
US Capitol Building: History and Design
- Location and Function: The US Capitol is the seat of the US Congress, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. It serves as the origin point for the city's street numbering system.
- Neoclassical Style: The Capitol building, like other major government buildings in Washington, is constructed in a neoclassical style with a white exterior.
- Early Congressional Challenges: Congress, initially housed in Philadelphia, experienced challenges with soldier protests during the Revolutionary War, leading to temporary relocation to other cities until becoming permanently settled in Washington, D.C.
- Establishment and Permanent Location: Following ratification, the US Congress officially began in 1789. A compromise between the North and South, where the federal government assumed national debt to secure support, led to the Potomac River as the location for the new capital, with Philadelphia as a temporary capital.
- Pierre L'Enfant's Plan: L'Enfant designed the city plan of Washington, D.C., including the Capitol building, initially called "Congress House," to be located on "Jenkins Hill." The plan connected the Capitol to the President's House via Pennsylvania Avenue.
Design Competitions and Architects
- Early Design Competition: After L'Enfant's dismissal, a design competition for the Capitol, with a $500 prize, was held. Several designs were submitted, and Stephen Hallet, a French-trained architect, submitted the most promising design but was considered too grand.
- William Thornton's Design: Amateur architect William Thornton's design, inspired by the Louvre and the Pantheon, was ultimately chosen for its "Grandeur, Simplicity, and Beauty."
- Collaborative Revisions: After a design conflict with Hallet, Jefferson convened a commission to revise Thornton's plans, bringing together Hallet, Thornton, and James Hoban.
- Successive Architects: The Capitol design evolved over time with significant alterations made by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and Charles Bulfinch. Later expansions were executed by Thomas Ustick Walter and August Schoenborn, resulting in the current cast-iron dome.
Capitol Building: Construction and Features
- Cornerstone Laying: On September 18, 1793, George Washington, along with other Freemasons, laid the cornerstone of the Capitol.
- Senate and House Wings: The Senate wing was completed in 1800. The House wing, initially completed as a temporary addition, was finished in 1811.
- Capitol Burning and Reconstruction: The British partially burned the Capitol during the War of 1812, but it was rebuilt. Latrobe oversaw the restoration, redesigning the Senate and House chambers.
- Religious Services: Before significant alteration, the Capitol was used for Sunday religious services throughout the early 1800s–1850s, becoming a place of worship for many Protestant denominations.
Capitol: Art, Decorations, and Exhibits
- Interior Decorations: Brumidi's murals, in the Senate corridors (Brumidi Corridors), depict major moments in American history, including historical figures and events. Also painted is the Apotheosis of Washington and Frieze of American History within the Rotunda.
- National Statuary Hall: The National Statuary Hall, originally the Old Hall of the House, houses statues donated by each US state to honor prominent individuals.
- Rotunda and Crypt: The Rotunda houses large paintings related to American history on both sides, and the crypt was initially meant for George Washington's tomb.
- Sculptures: Gutzon Borglum's statue of Abraham Lincoln is housed in the crypt
- Other Features: The Capitol's basement has two marble bathtubs from its past spa facilities.
Additional Expansion, Security, and Events
- 1850 Expansion: Due to population growth, the Capitol building was significantly expanded in the 1850s, doubling its length.
- Dome Replacements: The original dome was replaced in 1855 by the current cast-iron dome, designed taller and wider by Thomas U. Walter.
- Capitol Visitor Center: The Capitol Visitor Center, opened in 2008, provided a more visitor-friendly entryway to the Capitol.
- Security Enhancements: The September 11th attacks and the Capitol attack in January 2021 have led to extensive security changes and protocols.
- Major Events: Presidential inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, and Memorial Day concerts are hosted at the Capitol. The Capitol hosted several presidents in state as well as multiple meetings, including the joint address by Pope Francis.
Grounds and Exterior Design
- Capitol Grounds Landscaping: Olmsted designed the landscaping for the Capitol grounds between 1874 and 1892, addressing the building's placement on the hill. This included terraces and the Summerhouse.
- Flags and Flagpoles: Several flagpoles fly the US flag. There are two over the main dome, accessible day and night, and two additional ones over the Senate and House wings to reflect when either chamber is in session.
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Description
Explore the fascinating history and architectural design of the US Capitol Building. This quiz covers its neoclassical style, early congressional challenges, and establishment in Washington, D.C. Test your knowledge about this iconic symbol of American democracy.
