Capitol

The Capitol, is the legislative center of the United States of America. Its neoclassical architecture is a majestic tribute to the vast temples of ancient Greece and Rome, which inspired the American political system. The building was designed by William Thornton, a physician of Scottish origin who was also assigned to oversee the construction. The cornerstone was aid by George Washington on September in 1793 Seven years later, the building welcomed its first government representatives. British troops burned the Capitol in 1814. The restoration and rebuilding work began the following year, and lasted until 1826 at which point the Capitol consisted of a central building covered by a wood and copper dome, joined by two rectangular wings. The north wing was for the Senate, and the south wing for the House of Representatives.

With more and more states being admitted to the Union, work began in 1851 to expand the building to make room for the rising number of government representatives. The Capitol nearly doubled in size, which meant having to replace the original dome now disproportionate with the rest of building.. The , architect Thomas U. Walter opted for a double dome construction to create the illusion of a Building this immense structure 41 m (r35 ft.) in diameter by 87.5 m (287 ft.) in height required the use Of 4,041,150 kg (8,909,200 lb.) of ironwork. A bronze Statue of Freedom has stood atop the dome since 1863.