Washington is the capital of the United States of America, the main city within which the history and culture of a huge state is created. One of the symbols of the city is the Capitol, the seat of the US Congress. The Capitol is a symbol of the power and freedom of the American people. It is the representative office of all authorities and an important landmark in the United States.
History of the construction of the Capitol
The Capitol is the central landmark of Washington, a symbol of freedom and equality of the peoples of the state. The Capitol building houses the US Congress, whose task is to govern the state through the adoption of various laws that support life in the state. The Capitol got its name from the history of Ancient Rome, as one of the seven Roman hills was called in the city. The building was built on Jenkins Hill, popularly called Capitol Hill.
The history of the construction of the Capitol goes back several decades. Its founder is considered to be President George Washington, who ordered the construction of the hill to begin in 1793. At that time, the United States had just received the status of an independent and independent state, adopted its own constitution. It was the Capitol that marked the beginning of a new life for the young state.
The first Congress in American history met in an unfinished building in 1800. England could not come to terms with the loss of a huge colony in the New World, so by order of the king, the Capitol was burned. It took another 10 years to restore it. As a result, the world saw one of the most magnificent and significant buildings in history.
After a few years, the Capitol ceased to accommodate the increasing number of senators, so the building was rebuilt.
Description of the Capitol
The Capitol is located on an area of more than 50 hectares. The building itself consists of three parts connected together: the center, right and left wings. During the reconstruction of the building, a huge dome was installed over its central part, which became a symbol of the unity of the North and the South. The six-meter high Statue of Liberty is installed above the dome. It was she who made the building the center and symbol of the freedom of the American nation from British rule.
The Capitol Building in Washington DC is built of white marble. During the construction of the building, its architects changed several times. The Capitol was completed by architect Thomas Walter, who installed the Statue of Liberty on the dome at the request of Abraham Lincoln. The interior decoration of the Capitol has remained practically unchanged. During its existence, small external works were carried out, which changed the facade of the building. By the middle of the 20th century, the Capitol acquired its modern appearance.
The Capitol in Washington is built in the neoclassical style, combining classic columns and a domed vault, as well as Empire features. The interior walls are decorated with many murals and friezes showing scenes from the military life of the United States of America. There are no tall buildings around the Capitol, as by law, the building must be open from all sides. The Capitol is surrounded only by a huge park, the central alley of which is crowned with two monuments - Lincoln and Washington.
Visiting the Capitol in Washington DC
The Washington Capitol is a functioning government building and is not a museum. However, as part of the tour, you can get inside the building and enjoy the architecture, sculpture and paintings. The Capitol Building is located at 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Washington, USA.
Guided tours of the building are free. The two upper floors are available for visitors. On one floor there is a representation of the Senate, so everyone can listen to the discussions of the senators, the reading of bills. On another floor, there is an observation deck overlooking the Capitol National Park.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. To visit the Congress building, tourists need to register on the official website and provide identity documents. You can get to the Capitol by metro or sightseeing transport.
The Capitol in Washington is a small part of a huge historical and architectural complex. It includes an excellent Library of Congress and the US Supreme Court. Today, the Capitol is a modern operating building, within the walls of which important political decisions are made.
