The History
From the beginnings of the U.S. House of Representatives, Members have worked long hours, often remaining at the Capitol late into the night. As far back as 1834, Congress made arrangements for food and drink for Members and their constituents. The “refectory,” as it was then called, was run by local vendors. Mutton, beefsteak or partridge could be purchased there for twenty-five cents. When the Capitol expanded in the 1850s, the House’s restaurant moved to the new South Wing, and there it has remained.
Throughout its long history, the dining room has been a setting for many significant personalities and debates within the Capitol. Early proprietor George T. Downing was one such personality. He not only raised the standard of the Capitol dining experience, but also used his position within the Capitol to further his work towards racial equality. Constantino Brumidi’s 19th century fresco, Cornwallis Sues for Cessation of Hostilities, moved to the dining room in the 20th century, signifying the resolution of a long-standing debate about the place of art in the Capitol.
George T. Downing
George T. Downing (1819, New York, NY – 1903, Newport, Rhode Island)
George T. Downing served as proprietor of the Member’s Restaurant at the Capitol from 1865 - 1879. Mr. Downing and his establishment were well-known fixtures in the Capitol, referred to in The Sights and Secrets of the National Capitol (c. 1869), by John B. Ellis. Here, Mr. Downing is described as “…a gentleman of color, of middle age, and has decidedly the most elegant manners to be seen in the Capitol. He is from New York where he is known to all lovers of good living …” 
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About Brumidi's fresco
The fresco Cornwallis Sues for Cessation of Hostilities under the Flag of Truce depicts George Washington in his headquarters at Yorktown at a momentous point in the Revolutionary War in 1781, when the British admit defeat.
General Washington, in his tent at Yorktown, VA receives a letter from Lord Cornwallis. The British General is trapped and ready to surrender, and requests a 24-hour cease-fire to consider Washington’s terms. Washington, however, knows that the British naval fleet is close at hand to back up Cornwallis; he grants only a two hour cease fire, thus forcing Cornwallis to surrender.... read more