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.
A rare painting of Washington from the late 1840s or 1850s, done by Augustus Köllner, has been uncovered. The view is from an angle south of the Capitol, looking northwest. See the beautiful watercolor painting at the Library of Congress.
Take a look at this WWII photo of a couple visiting the Capitol. Could this romantic image have been staged for the war effort? Explore the mystery of this photo and the soldiers milling about in the background.
This incredible photo of the Capitol Building was taken between 1905 and 1915, part of the Detroit Publishing Company collection at the Library of Congress. See the amazing image and discover the history behind it!
A 1912 photograph shows five newspaper boys at the US Capitol. We dug through census records to trace what became of these first-generation American kids.
Explore Washington, D.C. through the eyes of GoDCer Tony – a D.C. native. Tony’s father was a pilot with Eastern Airlines and he’s shared some of his photos, including shots of National Airport (not Reagan), the 1962 MLB All-Star Game at D.C. Stadium (i.e., RFK) and more!
Check out this rare 1815 property value map of Washington, DC. Click on the map for greater detail and discover the city’s history.
Take a look back at the Capitol Building in 1824 with this iconic image by Charles Burton. Learn more about the history of the Capitol and see other amazing photos from the past.
Take a look at the Capitol Building in 1846 through John Plumbe’s remarkable photograph. This daguerreotype shows the east front of the Capitol Building, noticeably different than it looks today
Take a look at this rare photograph of the U.S. Capitol under construction in 1858. View the amazing details and stores lining Pennsylvania Ave before the Civil War. Click for the higher resolution image!
