Awakenings: Capitol Cornerstone Laid

This Day in History: September 18, 1793

On September 18, 1793, George Washington lays the cornerstone

for the United States Capitol - a most impressive monument

for its builders, the American people and the government.

Embrace the Past, Empower the Present, Enrich the Future

The history of the United States Capitol Building begins in 1793. Since then, the U.S. Capitol has been built (1793-1829), burnt (1814) rebuilt (1815-1819), extended (1850-1868) and restored (1970-present). The Capitol that we see today is the result of several major periods of construction; it stands as a monument to the ingenuity, determination and skill of the American people. Read MORE. . .

[Photo Credits: en.wikipedia.org]

Design for the U.S. Capitol, "An Elevation for a Capitol", by James Diamond was one of many submitted in the 1792 contest, but not selected.

The Capitol when first occupied by Congress (painting circa 1800 by William Russell Birch)

The Capitol after the burning of Washington, D.C. in the War of 1812 (painting 1814 by George Munger)

Daguerreotype of east side of the Capitol (1846 by John Plumbe)

The fresco painted on the interior of the Capitol's dome titled "The Apotheosis of Washington" was painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865 (photo 2005)