The United States Capitol Building

"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villiany" - Obiwan Kenobi

Obviously, good old Ben had never been to Washington D.C. My next stop in D.C. was the capital building. It was kind of a hazy day, so I had to get fairly close to the building but I didn't mind as it was a fairly nice day and I really needed the walk.

I kind of wish that the occupants of this building could live up to the magnificance of it. You would think that coming to work in a building like this would inspire them to do their best. But you know what they say about ivory towers. Although, this is a marble tower.

Before the establishment of Washington D.C. as the nation's capital, the government met in Philadelphia, New York and various other cities. In 1790, Washington D.C. was made the permanent home of the US Government.
In 1792, Thomas Jefferson proposed a contest to design the Capitol Building and the President's House. The winner of the Capitol Building contest would be William Thorton. His design was based on the Louvre.

Construction of the Capitol would be completed in 1811. In 1814, the Capitol Building would be partially burnt down by British soldiers during the War of 1812. Re-construction was begun immediately after the war and would be completed by 1819. In 1826, the Rotunda section was added.
In 1850, the Capitol was expanded to house the increasing numbers of Senators and Representatives.

In 1855, the original dome was replaced by the current dome. It was built of cast iron and is estimated to weigh almost 9 million pounds.

As I've said, it is a beautiful building.

There are well manicured lawns.

Impressive looking statues.

It towers over its surroundings and until the completion of the Post Office in D.C., it was the tallest building.

I may not like some its occupants, but I have to say it is a very impressive looking structure.