Arboretum in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sandstone Sculptures
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 3, 2024
1. Sandstone Sculptures Marker
The sandstone base and capital are from a Corinthian column that once graced the east central portico of the United States Capitol. The columns were dismantled in 1958 to make way for the east front extension, where marble reproductions now stand.
The sandstone for the columns came from quarries at Aquia Creek, Virginia. Architect Charles Bullfinch oversaw completion of the Capitol portico in 1826 using a design handed down by his predecessors, William Thornton and Benjamin Henry Latrobe. An Englishman, George Blagden, oversaw the stone cutters. Giovanni Andrei, a native of Italy, was in charge of the carvers: it took a carver 6 months to produce one capital.
The principal ornamentation on the bell-shaped capital is an Acanthus leaf, a plant native to the Meditteranean region. The plant may be found growing in the Dioscorides Garden at the National Herb Garden.
Proceed across the meadow to closely view the columns and reflecting pool.
Erected by Friends of the National Arboretum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 38° 54.6′ N,
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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 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: Rosmarinus officinalis (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Origanum vulgare (about 400 feet away); Dianthus plumarius (about 400 feet away); Acorus calamus (about 400 feet away); Dianthus caryophyllus (about 400 feet away); Mentha spp. (about 400 feet away); Valeriana officinalis (about 400 feet away); Plumeria rubra (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, May 4, 2008
2. Sandstone Sculptures Marker
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 3, 2024
3. Sandstone Sculptures Marker
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, May 4, 2008
4. Corinthian Capital
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, May 4, 2008
5. Corinthian Capital
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, May 4, 2008
6. Capitol Columns
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,828 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 10, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on May 5, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 3. submitted on November 10, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 5, 2008, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland.
