Capitol Hill in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

United States Capitol

East Front

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 21, 2025

1. United States Capitol Marker

Inscription.

United States Capitol. East Front. , One of the icons of world architecture, the U.S. Capitol has been the meeting place of Congress since 1800. President George Washington laid the cornerstone on September 18, 1793. While under construction, the the building was damaged by British troops during the War of 18 12 and subsequently restored. The Capitol was enlarged and the present cast-iron dome built in the 1850s and 1860s. Further additions included the Olmstead terraces on the west front in the 1880s and the east front extension in the 1950s. The most recent addition is the underground Capitol Visitor Center., 1. Statue of Freedom , The 19½-foot-tall bronze statue, sculpted by Thomas Crawford in Rome and cast by Clark Foundry in the District of Columbia, was placed on its cast-iron pedestal in 1863. The classical figure wears a helmet with an eagle head and feathers and holds a sheathed sword, shield and victory wreath. The statue was restored in 1993., 2. House Pediment , The Apotheosis of Democracy by Paul Weyland Bartlett was installed in 1916. The central group is Peace Protecting Genius. On the left is a group called The Power of Labor: Agriculture, and on the right is a entitled The Power of Labor: Industry., 3. Center Pediment , Genius of America was originally carved in sandstone by Luigi Persico in 1828. When the East Front was expanded in 1958-1962, the badly deteriorated figures were replaced by replicas carved in marble. America, at the center holds a shield. She points to Justice, holding scales and a scroll marked "Constitution, 17 September 1787." To the right is the figure of Hope with an anchor. , 4. Senate Pediment , The Progress of Civilization by Thomas Crawford was installed in 1863. A figure representing America stands in the center with an eagle by her side. To her left are figures representing America's early days, including a hunter and American Indians. The group on her right, including a soldier, a merchant, a teacher, and a student, represents the march of civilization.

One of the icons of world architecture, the U.S. Capitol has been the meeting place of Congress since 1800. President George Washington laid the cornerstone on September 18, 1793. While under construction, the the building was damaged by British troops during the War of 1812 and subsequently restored. The Capitol was enlarged and the present cast-iron dome built in the 1850s and 1860s. Further additions included the Olmstead terraces on the west front in the 1880s and the east front extension in the 1950s. The most recent addition is the underground Capitol Visitor Center.

1. Statue of Freedom
The 19½-foot-tall bronze statue, sculpted by Thomas Crawford in Rome and cast by Clark Foundry in the District of Columbia, was placed on its cast-iron pedestal in 1863. The classical figure wears a helmet with an eagle head and feathers and holds a sheathed sword, shield and victory wreath. The statue was restored in 1993.

2. House Pediment
The Apotheosis of Democracy by Paul Weyland Bartlett was installed in 1916. The central group is Peace Protecting Genius. On the left is a group called The Power of Labor: Agriculture, and on the right is a entitled The Power of Labor: Industry.

3. Center Pediment
Genius of America was originally carved

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in sandstone by Luigi Persico in 1828. When the East Front was expanded in 1958-1962, the badly deteriorated figures were replaced by replicas carved in marble. America, at the center holds a shield. She points to Justice, holding scales and a scroll marked "Constitution, 17 September 1787." To the right is the figure of Hope with an anchor.

4. Senate Pediment
The Progress of Civilization by Thomas Crawford was installed in 1863. A figure representing America stands in the center with an eagle by her side. To her left are figures representing America's early days, including a hunter and American Indians. The group on her right, including a soldier, a merchant, a teacher, and a student, represents the march of civilization.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical date for this entry is September 18, 1793.

Location. 38° 53.332′ N, 77° 0.375′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Capitol Hill. It is on 1st Street SE north of Independence Avenue SE, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named United States Capitol (here, next to this marker); Jefferson (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Jefferson

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 21, 2025

2. United States Capitol Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Madison (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named United States Capitol (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named United States Capitol (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Madison (about 700 feet away); The Old Brick Capitol (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southeast Washington.

Other markers no longer nearby. War Gardens Over the Top (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); War Garden (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named War Garden (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); Victory Garden (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Victory Garden (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. An identical marker is located 225 yds north.

United States Capitol image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 21, 2025

3. United States Capitol

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2025, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2025, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.