The Capitol Building

Architectural drawing for alterations to the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. West elevation Summary

1877 Drawing of Proposed Capitol Modifications

Fascinating drawing of the U.S. Capitol from the 1870s showing proposed modifications to the building. This is the west elevation of the building, the opposite side of the National Mall. Source: Library of Congress
Aerial view of U.S. Capitol in 1922

Aerial Views of Washington in 1922

These cool old photos shows the city back in 1922, as seen from the air. Source: Boston Public Library Source: Boston Public Library
Capitol, Washington, D.C., north-east view. Dome and front unfinished, June 28, 1863.

Rare, Stunning 1863 Photo of Capitol Building

This incredible old photo of the Capitol Building shows it just after the new dome was completed in 1863. Source: Library of Congress
Capitol Building and a lot of cars parked in front of it in the 1960s

You Won’t See the Capitol Like This Ever Again

This photo of the Capitol Building from the 1960s is something you’ll never see again. The Capitol Dome under construction and a lot of cars parked out in front of it. Source: snipview.com
Capito Dome under construction in 1860s

Incredibly Rare 1860s Photo of Capitol Dome Construction

This very rare photo of the Capitol Dome under construction shows it as it looked during the early days of the Civil War. Source: Library of Congress
Bird's-eye view of Washington

What Did D.C. Look Like in 1872?

Here’s a cool bird’s-eye view of the Capitol and the rest of Washington from 1872. Source: Library of Congress
Capitol Building

Great Old Photos of Capitol’s East and West Fronts

Here’s a terrific old photo courtesy of the Library of Congress showing the Capitol Building. And another awesome old shot of the Capitol. Source: Library of Congress
1935. Washington, D.C. "View looking down from U.S. Capitol dome, West Front." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

Incredible 1935 View Looking Down From Capitol Dome

This photo is going to give you vertigo. It’s a view looking down from the Capitol Dome. Click on it for greater details. Source: Shorpy
.S. Capitol interiors: detail of structural work of dome interior

1920s Interior Photo of the Capitol Dome

How great is this old photo from the 1920s? It shows the inside structure of the Capitol Dome. Source: Library of Congress
Engraving of the Capitol after it was burned in August 1814

Engravings of President’s House and Capitol After Burning of Washington

Below are two amazing engravings of the President’s House and the Capitol Building following the Burning of Washington on August 24, 1814. The engravings were done by William Strickland. The British marched on Washington and attacked...
Capitol at night

Stunning 1910s Capitol Dome at Night

How beautiful is this image of the Capitol Building? It was taken between 1918 and 1920. Source: Library of Congress
J.P. Morgan in Washington

J.P. Morgan in Front of the Capitol

This is an old photo of J.P. Morgan walking in front of the Capitol Building in 1912. He was in town to testify before the Pujo Committee. Source: Library of Congress
1857 Inauguration

First Known Photo of Presidential Inauguration (1857)

This is an extremely rare photograph of James Buchanan‘s Inauguration at the East Front of the Capitol Building on March 4th, 1857. It’s a little blurry and not the highest resolution, but amazing nevertheless. The exposure...
The Mall as seen from the Capitol

1936 View of the Washington Monument from the Capitol

This is a beautiful photo taken from the Capitol Building in 1936, looking down the Mall at the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian. Source: Cornell University Library
Capitol Building after an epic snowstorm

Beautiful Snowy Photo of the Capitol

Thanks to GoDCer Mollie for sending this in. It looks like a photo from sometime in the 1920s.

Beautiful Night Photo of Capitol (1919)

It’s been a glut of Capitol Building photos this week, but I’m sure you’re okay with that. Especially, since they’re amazing old photos. Here’s another great night shot of the building in the rain, this time...
view of the Capitol at night in the snow (1907)

Capitol Building at Night in 1907

We posted a cool night photo of the Capitol from 1921. We found another great one, this time from 1907. This was taken by Ernest Crandall. They never get old do they? Source: Library of Congress
Night view in rain [of Capitol] taken from steps [Neptune Plaza] of Library of Congress

Wow. Great Night Rain Photo of Capitol in 1921

This photo is awesome. It was taken in 1921, from the steps of the Library of Congress. And, if you like it, you’re sure to like this one, and this one. Source: Library of Congress
Older Post
Get Ghosts of DC by emailYou don't want to miss our best stuff in your inbox!

We'll send you our newest content as soon as it publishes. And, we'll throw in some of the best old content from the last eight years. We have nearly 3,000 posts, so you'll have plenty to read.

Recommended for youHere's a book we think you'll enjoy.
Take a look