Evolution of the U. S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. - Encircle Photos

2 Evolution of the U. S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

George Washington selected the site for the U.S. Capitol in 1791 and laid its cornerstone in 1793. Its evolution required 170 years. Here are the historical milestones. 1800: Congress moved into the nearly finished North Wing. 1811: South Wing completed. 1814: British troops set the Capitol ablaze. 1819: Restoration completed. 1826-1856: Life of the first dome. 1857: House of Representatives finished. 1859: Senate building done. 1863: Statue of Freedom placed on top of the new dome. 1868: Capitol extended. 1891: Marble terraces added. 1898: A gas explosion. 1962: The East front was expanded resulting in this view today. 2008: The 580,000 square foot Visitor Center opened underground.

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Evolution of the U. S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

45 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20515

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