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The questions answered below are among the most frequently asked-about matters related to the Capitol Complex. You may also wish to read more detailed information about the Capitol's history and its works of art.
What is the function of the Capitol?
The U.S. Capitol Building houses the meeting chambers of the Senate (in the north wing) and the House of Representatives (in the south wing), the two bodies that compose the legislative branch of the American government. It also includes the offices of the congressional leadership, and it is used for ceremonies of national importance such as presidential inaugurations and the of eminent persons. The Capitol is also a museum of American art and history and is visited by millions of people every year. +Read More
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When was the Capitol built?
Construction of the U.S. Capitol began in 1793 and has been "completed" several times. The original building was finished in 1826. The growth of the Congress compelled its expansion in the middle of the 19th century; the extensions and new dome were finished in 1868. An addition to the east front in 1958-1962 added more rooms to the Capitol. The restoration of the west front and terraces and the in-filling of courtyards, was completed in 1993. The most recent, and largest ever, addition to the Capitol, the Capitol Visitor Center, was completed in 2008. +Read More
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When did the Congress first meet in the Capitol?
November 17, 1800.
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What is the Capitol made of?
The original building, completed in 1826, was made of brick clad in sandstone. The north and south wings and connecting corridors added in the mid 19th century and the replica of the east front constructed in the 20th century are made of brick clad in marble; the dome is made of 8,909,200 pounds of cast iron. Detailed information about the building's construction and the dome are also available.
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What are the dimensions of the Capitol?
Its length, from north to south, is 751 feet 4 inches; its greatest width is 350 feet. Its height above the base line on the east front to the top of the Statue of Freedom is 288 feet. Back to List
How much did it cost to build the Capitol?
Up until 2003, the historical cost of building construction and property improvements was neither readily available nor accessible. A recent major effort was undertaken to research and determine the estimated historical cost. The Capitol is a unique structure, as it has been built in successive phases over the past two centuries. The estimated historical cost of the United States Capitol as of fiscal year 2003 is $133 million. This includes the original building (the Rotunda and the north and south wings) as it stood in 1824 ($2.4 million), the cast-iron dome added in 1866 ($1 million), and the extensions (which house the present House and Senate chambers as well as office and support spaces) completed in 1867 ($8.1 million). Numerous additions, renovations, and modernization efforts made throughout the years added another $122 million. Improvements to the Capitol Grounds have an estimated historical cost of $33.8 million as of fiscal year 2003; these include such items as landscaping, sidewalks, and security features.
Note that these numbers are given in historical dollars spent and have not been inflated to reflect current-day replacement value.
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Why does the Statue of Freedom face east, away from the mall?
The Capitol's east front was planned, and still serves, as its principal entrance (being the only front on level ground), and the statue thus faces those who arrive from this direction.
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Where and what is the Capitol Rotunda?
The Rotunda is a circular room in the center of the building beneath the Capitol dome. It is 96 feet in diameter and rises 180 feet from the floor to the canopy, with a volume of approximately 1.3 million cubic feet. +Read More
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How many statues are there in the National Statuary Hall Collection?
One hundred. Each state may contribute two statues; all have done so. +Read More
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How many women are represented in the National Statuary Hall Collection?
Nine: Mother Joseph (Washington), Esther Hobart Morris (Wyoming), Jeanette Rankin (Montana), Dr. Florence Sabin (Colorado), Sakakawea (North Dakota), Maria Sanford (Minnesota), Frances E. Willard (Illinois), Sarah Winnemucca (Nevada), and Helen Keller (Alabama). Detailed information on all statues is available.
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What is the largest statue in the Statuary Hall Collection?
The statue of King Kamehameha I, donated by the state of Hawaii. The bronze statue is 9'-10" tall and stands on a 3'-6" granite base; their combined weight is approximately 15,000 pounds.
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Is there a "whispering gallery" in the Capitol?
The half-dome shape of National Statuary Hall produces an acoustical effect whereby, in some spots, a speaker many yards away may be heard more clearly than one closer at hand. The modern-day echoes occur in different locations from those in the 19th century, when the floor and ceiling of the hall were different.
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Is there any symbolic significance to the numbers of columns and steps in various locations in the Capitol?
No. The numbers of columns and steps were determined for aesthetic and practical, rather than symbolic, reasons.
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Was the Capitol used as a prison during the Civil War?
No. However, a building known as the "old brick Capitol" was. The old brick Capitol was built for the use of the Congress after the Capitol was burned by invading British troops during the War of 1812; it stood on part of the site now occupied by the Supreme Court Building. Congress occupied the old brick Capitol between 1815 and 1819, while the Capitol was being rebuilt. The old brick Capitol was then used for various purposes; during the Civil War it served as a prison for the confinement of Confederate captives and of suspected collaborators. Following the Civil War the building was converted to residences. It was removed before the October 1932 laying of the cornerstone of the Supreme Court building.
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Is anyone buried in the Capitol?
No. A tomb area was built for the remains of George Washington beneath the Crypt, but his will specified that he wished to be buried at his home at Mount Vernon, and his descendents honored this wish.
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Which is taller, the Capitol or the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument, standing 555 feet tall, is 267 feet taller than the Capitol. Because the base of the Washington Monument is 30 feet above sea level, and that of the Capitol is 88 feet above sea level, the top of the Washington Monument is 209 feet higher than the top of the Capitol.
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How can I obtain a photograph from the Architect of the Capitol?
Photographs from the records of the Architect of the Capitol may be used for scholarly or educational purposes; they are not made available for promotional or advertising purposes. For information about ordering images and permission to publish, please fax a letter identifying the image that you would like to use and the purpose for which you wish to use it to:
Mr. Stephen T. Ayers, AIA
Architect of the Capitol
U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
at fax number (202) 228-4602.
The Photo Gallery section of the Architect of the Capitol Web site offers downloadable high-quality digital images in JPEG format. These images are in the public domain and, unless otherwise noted, may be used without permission for educational, scholarly, or personal (i.e., nonpromotional, nonadvertising) purposes. When any of these images is used in print or electronic publications, the photographic credit line should read “Architect of the Capitol.” If an image requires additional use permission, a note to that effect appears on the relevant download page. These images may not be used in any way that would imply endorsement by the Architect of the Capitol or the United States Congress of a product, service, or point of view.
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How can I obtain a flag that has flown over the Capitol?
Visit the for instructions for obtaining a flag that has been flown over the Capitol.
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How can I request a correction to a flag certificate that I have received?
A request for the correction of a flag certificate should be directed to the representative’s or senator’s office through which you requested the flag. That office will then arrange for the creation and mailing of a corrected certificate.
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How can I learn about employment opportunities with the Architect of the Capitol?
Visit the .
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