Birds on the Brain

pbsthisdayinhistory:

September 18, 1793

George Washington Lays Cornerstone to the U.S. Capitol Building

On this day in 1793, George Washington laid the cornerstone to the United States Capitol building. The Capitol houses the Legislative Branch of the American government, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

The building took nearly a century to complete due to multiple setbacks, including changes in architects, a fire set by the British and its use as a hospital and barracks during the Civil War by Union troops.

Benjamin Latrobe, who lived from 1764 to 1820, is known today mostly for his work on the central portions of the United States Capitol building. His work ultimately defined the first uniquely “American” architecture.

Watch the documentary Benjamin Latrobe: America’s First Architect, which chronicles the life and work of the  early American architect.

Also check out some fun facts and interesting history about the Capitol in this Wonders of the World building biography.

Image: 1860 Photograph of Capitol with unfinished dome (National Archives).