How a Building Changed the House: Cannon House Office Building
About this object The new office building quickly became a part of the Capitol complex worthy of its own postcard.
In the half century before the Cannon Building opened, the Capitol became overcrowded to the point of bursting. New states entered the Union during the nation’s westward expansion. House membership grew from 193 to 391. Most Representatives had no office or staff, only a desk and chair in the hectic House Chamber. Committees had to fight for space just to hold a meeting.
How could an office building change congressional work so much? With expanded space, committees could hold more public hearings, Members could meet with constituents, and staff could be hired to accommodate the requests that flowed into the House from citizens around the country. In short, the House could go about its business in a more efficient and professional manner.