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Capitol Building

The United States Capitol has stood at the center of Washington since the 1790s, and GoDC has spent years digging into its history. These posts cover everything from the Capitol’s construction and the British burning of 1814 to the dome’s completion during the Civil War and the debates, ceremonies, and controversies that have played out inside ever since.

Blood on the Marble: The Taulbee-Kincaid Capitol Shooting

January 26, 2024 by ghostsofdc
A stereograph image showcasing the inauguration ceremony of Rutherford B. Hayes, marking the beginning of his presidency in the United States.

On February 28, 1890, former Kentucky Congressman William Taulbee was shot on the Capitol’s marble staircase by a journalist.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1890s, Capitol Building, Capitol Hill

A Foreigner’s Impressions of Washington in 1799

April 22, 2026December 29, 2022 by ghostsofdc
View of Washington from Georgetown in 1801

Cows in the streets, a well overflowing near the White House, and woods where the Capitol stands. John Davis saw Washington in 1799 before it was a capital.

Categories The Best Of, Then and Now Tags 1790s, Capitol Building, Georgetown, The White House, Thomas Jefferson

1952 UFO Sightings Over Washington: Lights Over the Capitol

April 27, 2026February 26, 2018 by ghostsofdc

In July 1952, mystery lights appeared in the night sky over Washington, including over the Capitol. Radar operators saw blips. Pilots saw lights too.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1950s, Capitol Building, The White House

The 1877 Drawing of Proposed Capitol Modifications

April 22, 2026May 26, 2017 by ghostsofdc
Architectural drawing for alterations to the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. West elevation Summary

In 1877 a 23-year-old draftsman named Richard Siebert filed a sweeping redesign of the U.S. Capitol with the Copyright Office. Then he vanished.

Categories If Walls Could Talk, Lost History, Notable People & Places Tags 1870s, Architecture, Capitol Building, Capitol Hill 3 Comments

A Look Back in Time: These Cool Old Photos Show DC in 1922 from the Air

November 9, 2022December 31, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Aerial view of U.S. Capitol in 1922

Take a look back in time with these cool old photos of Washington, D.C. in 1922. See the city from the air in this fascinating collection of photos!

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1920s, Capitol Building

The Rare Photo of the Capitol Building Just After the New Dome Was Completed in 1863

November 9, 2022November 2, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Capitol, Washington, D.C., north-east view. Dome and front unfinished, June 28, 1863.

Take a look at this rare photo of the Capitol Building just after the new dome was completed in 1863. A stunning view of the Capitol from the Library of Congress!

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1860s, Capitol Building 1 Comment

A Look at the Capitol Building from the 1960s – A Scene You’ll Never See Again

November 9, 2022October 14, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Capitol Building and a lot of cars parked in front of it in the 1960s

Take a look at this rare photo of the Capitol Building from the 1960s. See the Capitol Dome under construction and a lot of cars parked out in front of it – something you’ll never see again!

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1960s, Capitol Building, Capitol Hill 8 Comments

A Rare Look at the Capitol Dome Under Construction During the Civil War

November 9, 2022October 8, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Capito Dome under construction in 1860s

Take a look at this rare photo of the Capitol Dome under construction during the early days of the Civil War. View this amazing piece of American history captured in time.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1860s, Capitol Building 1 Comment

A Fascinating Bird’s-Eye View of the Capitol and Washington from 1872

November 9, 2022March 25, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Bird's-eye view of Washington

Take a step back in time and explore a fascinating bird’s-eye view of the Capitol and Washington from 1872. See it on Ghostsofdc.org!

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1870s, Capitol Building 4 Comments
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