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The United States
Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and important
buildings in the world. It has housed the meeting chambers of the Senate
and the House of Representatives for almost two centuries. Begun in 1793,
the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today,
it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American
People and their government. The Capitol is a fine example of
19th-century neo-classical architecture.
The original design was by a physician, Dr. William Thornton and the
cornerstone was laid by President George Washington on September 18,
1793. Work progressed under numerous architects through the years, but
the Capitol was given its present appearance by Thomas U. Walter, who
finished the north and south wings in the 1850s and the cast-iron dome in
1863.
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