Discover the Secrets: Top 11 Fun Facts About the Capitol Building You Never Knew!

1. Capitol-Church Combo

Holy Capitol-ervices, Batman! It turns out Gotham wasn't the only place to double as church and workplace: Before Congress made it their base camp, the United States Capitol was used as a place of worship from 1795 until after the Civil War, with the House of Representatives chamber even designated for Christian worship services before 1800.
Source => christianheritagefellowship.com

2. Dome Transplant

When the Capitol dome went under the proverbial knife, it was less of a facelift and more of a full-on transplant with every stitch adding a little more zing, as the patient traded in its rusty cast-iron spirit for a sleek, Dutchman-proof, blindingly white glow: The massive restoration effort involved masterfully mending 12,800 inches of cracked cast iron, applying 1,215 gallons of "Dome White" paint, and constructing a temporary infrastructure made of 52 miles of scaffold pipe, 2 miles of decking, and over 75,000 pieces of equipment.
Source => aoc.gov

Did you know the White House has been home to presidential pets ranging from furry cabinet members to a kangaroo rat? Discover how these unique animals played a role in shaping political images and providing companionship!

=> Fun Facts about The-White-House

3. Lady Liberty's Fierce Cousin

If Lady Liberty had a not-so-distant cousin with impeccable style, sword-swinging skills, and the strength of an eagle, she'd be Freedom Triumphant: Standing 288 feet above the U.S. Capitol's east front plaza, the Statue of Freedom is a 19.5 feet tall, 15,000-pound bronze beauty depicting a fierce female figure with an eagle's head crest and chunks of laurel wreath in one hand, and a sword and shield combo in the other. Always facing the rising sun, she's got a thing for the east side.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. America's Next Top Architect

Who knew William Thornton was the original trendsetter for architectural competitions? He casually swiped the crown for designing the US Capitol Rotunda in 1793 like he was on America's Next Top Architect: But wait, there's a twist in this foundation tale! Construction didn't even begin until 1818 due to pesky interruptions like the War of 1812, and the rotunda wasn't completed until 1824 under Architect of the Capitol Charles Bulfinch, all just in time for Marquis de Lafayette's final American visit. Talk about red-carpet-ready architecture!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Cast-Iron Elegance

Move over Iron Man, we've got an Iron Dome: The U.S. Capitol's dome, one of the world's oldest cast-iron creations, was constructed in the mid-19th century using over 8.9 million pounds of iron. Beyond the dome, cast iron is flaunted in decorative features, railings, and even graces Bartholdi Park's lampposts and fountain.
Source => aoc.gov

6. Architectural Hodgepodge

When the Capitol building's design competition felt more like a disappointing buffet of architectural hodgepodge, Thomas Jefferson and the judges put on their best poker faces: The original design guidelines left matters of taste and style to the competitors, resulting in a wide range of proposals from Renaissance to ancient classical architecture, many of which still survive as a testament to America's diverse pool of amateurs and professionals.
Source => loc.gov

7. Superhero Hideout

Carving out a mammoth-sized lair for history buffs and visitors alike, the U.S. Capitol Building decided to dig deep and go underground – a sneaky superhero hideout, if you will: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, opened in 2008, spans an incredible 580,000 square feet, making it roughly three-quarters the size of the Capitol Building itself, and houses exhibits, theaters, and facilities all designed to enhance the overall visitor experience without disturbing Frederick Law Olmsted's picturesque 1874 Capitol Building and Grounds design.
Source => aoc.gov

8. Liberty's Golden Introverted Cousin

Imagine if the Statue of Liberty had a shorter, introverted cousin who was really into gold: Meet the "Statue of Freedom," adorning the Capitol building's dome. Standing 287 feet above the East Plaza, this golden beauty has been keeping a watchful eye over democracy since December 2, 1863, during the Civil War. Crafted by American artist Thomas Crawford, the bronze and 23.5-karat gold leaf-covered statue represents freedom's triumph over tyranny.
Source => senate.gov

9. Gods of Knowledge Hangout

When the gods of knowledge needed a swankier hangout, they knew just where to look: The Old Supreme Court Chamber in the United States Capitol was once the Law Library of Congress for decades, until the Supreme Court moved and the chamber became a reference library until 1941, later serving various purposes before turning into a museum in 1975, allowing the public to share in its storied past.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. The Unwanted Crypt

The U.S. Capitol Building ain't no luxury crypt-'n'-breakfast: It was initially designed to cozy up George and Martha Washington in their eternal slumber beneath the Rotunda. Alas: The dynamic duo remained at their Mount Vernon home instead, leaving the Crypt to house 40 Aquia Creek sandstone columns, 13 statues for the original colonies, and a lavish Magna Carta display, without ever having a single sleepover!
Source => aoc.gov

11. Dome Selfies and Fanny Packs

Perched atop the Capitol like an enthusiastic tourist snapping selfies, the US Capitol Building's dome is a shining beacon for freedom and fanny pack enthusiasts alike: Standing proudly at 288 feet with 108 windows, this iconic architectural wonder offers panoramic views of Washington, D.C., and serves as an illuminated symbol of the American people and government.
Source => aoc.gov