The United States Capitol

by Wendy VanHatten

While in Washington, D.C. we toured the US Capitol. Some interesting facts and tidbits we learned were:

 

  • The US Capitol has housed Congress since 1800
  • The cornerstone was laid by George Washington on September 18, 1793

 

  • The British burned the US Capitol in 1814
  • The Rotunda is the heart and center of the Capitol

 

  • The Rotunda is over 180 feet tall
  • It covers over 1.5 million square feet
  • There are over 600 rooms
  • The National Statuary Hall has part of the collect of statues of notable people from every state

 

  • The vaulted space below the dome of the Rotunda is call the Crypt