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William Thornton, the original designer of the Capitol, first conceived the idea of a central rotunda in 1793, but its construction did not commence until 1818.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Thornton conceived the rotunda's design in 1793, but construction was delayed until 1818 due to various factors including funding issues and the War of 1812.
The original Capitol rotunda was completed in 1824 under the supervision of Thomas U. Walter.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original rotunda was completed in 1824 under the supervision of Charles Bulfinch, not Thomas U. Walter.
The Capitol rotunda's neoclassical design was specifically intended to evoke the Pantheon in Rome.
Answer: True
Explanation: The neoclassical design of the Capitol rotunda was directly influenced by and intended to evoke the Pantheon in Rome.
Thomas U. Walter designed the Capitol dome and everything above the original 48-foot sandstone walls of the rotunda, commencing work on the dome in 1856.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thomas U. Walter, the fourth Architect of the Capitol, designed the dome and upper rotunda portions, with dome construction starting in 1856.
The Capitol dome was completed in 1866 using primarily wood and plaster, making it susceptible to fire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Capitol dome, completed in 1866, was constructed from fireproof cast iron, not wood and plaster.
The crypt beneath the rotunda was originally designed with an open ceiling connecting directly to the rotunda above, and was intended as the burial place for George Washington.
Answer: True
Explanation: The crypt was initially designed with an open ceiling to the rotunda and was planned as George Washington's burial site, though this plan was ultimately abandoned.
The 2013 renovation project for the Capitol Dome and rotunda was primarily focused on updating the interior artwork and did not address structural issues.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2013 renovation project for the Capitol Dome and rotunda was a comprehensive effort to address significant structural issues, rust, disrepair, and the risk of falling ironwork, not just artwork updates.
The Old Senate Chamber, used by the Senate until 1859, is located immediately south of the rotunda.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Old Senate Chamber is located to the northeast of the rotunda, while the National Statuary Hall is immediately south.
Who initially conceived the idea of a central rotunda for the U.S. Capitol in 1793?
Answer: William Thornton
Explanation: William Thornton, the winner of the Capitol design contest in 1793, first conceived the idea of a central rotunda.
When was the original Capitol rotunda completed, and under whose supervision?
Answer: 1824, under Charles Bulfinch
Explanation: The original rotunda was completed in 1824 under the supervision of Charles Bulfinch, the Architect of the Capitol.
What ancient structure influenced the neoclassical design of the Capitol rotunda?
Answer: The Pantheon in Rome
Explanation: The neoclassical design of the Capitol rotunda was specifically intended to evoke the Pantheon in Rome.
Who designed the Capitol dome and the upper portions of the rotunda, commencing work on the dome in 1856?
Answer: Thomas U. Walter
Explanation: Thomas U. Walter, the fourth Architect of the Capitol, designed the Capitol dome and the upper portions of the rotunda, beginning work on the dome in 1856.
What material was used in the construction of the Capitol dome, which was completed in 1866?
Answer: Fireproof cast iron
Explanation: The Capitol dome, completed in 1866, was constructed from fireproof cast iron.
What significant burial plan for the crypt beneath the rotunda was ultimately abandoned?
Answer: The burial of George Washington.
Explanation: The crypt beneath the rotunda was originally intended as the burial place for George Washington, but these plans were abandoned.
What was a key reason the 2013 renovation of the Capitol Dome and rotunda was deemed necessary?
Answer: To address significant rust, disrepair, and the risk of falling ironwork.
Explanation: The 2013 renovation was necessitated by significant rust, disrepair, and the risk of falling ironwork from the dome and rotunda, which had not been conserved since 1960.
Which historical chambers are located immediately adjacent to the Capitol rotunda?
Answer: The National Statuary Hall and the Old Senate Chamber.
Explanation: The National Statuary Hall is immediately south of the rotunda, and the Old Senate Chamber is to its northeast.
Constantino Brumidi was commissioned in 1862 to create a 65-foot diameter fresco for the concave canopy over the oculus of the New Dome.
Answer: True
Explanation: Constantino Brumidi was commissioned in 1862 to paint the fresco for the dome's canopy, which is 65 feet in diameter.
'The Apotheosis of Washington' is a fresco by Constantino Brumidi, visible through the oculus of the Capitol dome, depicting George Washington in an exalted position.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'The Apotheosis of Washington' is a large fresco by Constantino Brumidi, located in the Capitol dome's oculus, portraying George Washington in an exalted celestial setting.
The 'Frieze of American History' is a series of carved stone bas-reliefs depicting 19 scenes from American history.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Frieze of American History' is a trompe-l'œil fresco cycle, painted to create the illusion of carved stone bas-relief, not actual carved stone.
The 'Cortez and Montezuma at Mexican Temple' panel in the frieze illustrates Moctezuma II welcoming Hernán Cortés as a god, believing him to be Quetzalcoatl.
Answer: True
Explanation: This frieze panel depicts Moctezuma II welcoming Cortés, whom the Aztecs initially believed to be the returning deity Quetzalcoatl.
The 'Burial of DeSoto' panel depicts Hernando de Soto's burial in the Mississippi River after his death while searching for gold.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Burial of DeSoto' panel illustrates the explorer's burial in the Mississippi River following his death from fever during his search for valuables.
The 'William Penn and the Indians' panel was the first scene painted entirely by Filippo Costaggini after Brumidi's death.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'William Penn and the Indians' panel was the last scene Constantino Brumidi worked on before his death; 'Colonization of New England' was the first scene painted entirely by Filippo Costaggini.
The 'Battle of Lexington' panel in the frieze depicts the 'shot heard 'round the world', marking the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Battle of Lexington' panel in the frieze commemorates the 'shot heard 'round the world' at the Battle of Lexington, the initial major engagement of the American Revolutionary War.
The 'Surrender of Cornwallis' panel in the frieze accurately shows George Washington receiving the ceremonial sword of surrender from Lord Cornwallis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Surrender of Cornwallis' panel in the frieze inaccurately depicts George Washington receiving the sword; in reality, he declined it from Charles O'Hara, and Major General Benjamin Lincoln accepted it.
The 'American Army Entering the City of Mexico' panel illustrates the end of the Mexican-American War with a decisive U.S. victory.
Answer: True
Explanation: This frieze panel depicts the U.S. Army's entry into Mexico City, symbolizing the decisive American victory that concluded the Mexican-American War.
Allyn Cox's 'Peace at the End of the Civil War' panel symbolizes reconciliation by showing a Confederate and Union soldier shaking hands.
Answer: True
Explanation: Allyn Cox's 'Peace at the End of the Civil War' panel symbolizes reconciliation and reunification through the depiction of a Confederate and Union soldier shaking hands.
The 'Discovery of Gold in California' panel was the last scene designed by Brumidi and painted by Filippo Costaggini in 1889.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Discovery of Gold in California' panel was the final scene designed by Brumidi and completed by Filippo Costaggini in 1889.
The 'Oglethorpe and the Indians' panel shows James Oglethorpe receiving a peace pipe from the Muskogee leaders.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Oglethorpe and the Indians' panel depicts Muskogee leaders presenting James Oglethorpe with a buffalo skin featuring an eagle, not a peace pipe.
What is 'The Apotheosis of Washington'?
Answer: A fresco by Constantino Brumidi visible through the oculus of the Capitol dome.
Explanation: 'The Apotheosis of Washington' is a large fresco by Constantino Brumidi, located in the oculus of the Capitol dome, depicting George Washington in an exalted position.
What artistic technique is used for the 'Frieze of American History' to create the illusion of carved stone?
Answer: Trompe-l'œil fresco
Explanation: The 'Frieze of American History' employs the trompe-l'œil fresco technique to create the illusion of carved stone bas-relief.
What does the 'Cortez and Montezuma at Mexican Temple' panel in the frieze illustrate about the initial Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?
Answer: Montezuma's welcome of Cortez as the returning deity Quetzalcoatl.
Explanation: The 'Cortez and Montezuma at Mexican Temple' panel illustrates Moctezuma II welcoming Hernán Cortés, whom the Aztecs initially believed to be the returning deity Quetzalcoatl.
Which panel in the 'Frieze of American History' depicts Pocahontas saving Captain John Smith?
Answer: 'Captain Smith and Pocahontas'
Explanation: The 'Captain Smith and Pocahontas' panel in the 'Frieze of American History' depicts Pocahontas saving Captain John Smith from execution.
What event is captured in the 'Battle of Lexington' panel of the frieze?
Answer: The 'shot heard 'round the world' at the start of the American Revolutionary War.
Explanation: The 'Battle of Lexington' panel captures the pivotal 'shot heard 'round the world' at the Battle of Lexington, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
What is a notable inaccuracy in the 'Surrender of Cornwallis' panel of the frieze?
Answer: It shows George Washington directly receiving the sword of surrender from Charles O'Hara.
Explanation: A notable inaccuracy in the 'Surrender of Cornwallis' frieze panel is its depiction of George Washington directly receiving the sword of surrender from Charles O'Hara, which did not happen in reality.
What does the 'American Army Entering the City of Mexico' panel illustrate about the Mexican-American War?
Answer: The decisive U.S. victory and end of the war with the fall of Mexico City.
Explanation: The 'American Army Entering the City of Mexico' panel illustrates the decisive U.S. victory and the conclusion of the Mexican-American War with the fall of Mexico City.
What does Allyn Cox's 'Peace at the End of the Civil War' panel symbolize?
Answer: Reconciliation and reunification between Confederate and Union soldiers.
Explanation: Allyn Cox's 'Peace at the End of the Civil War' panel symbolizes reconciliation and reunification, depicting a Confederate and Union soldier shaking hands.
What is depicted in Allyn Cox's 'The Birth of Aviation' panel?
Answer: The Wright brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk.
Explanation: Allyn Cox's 'The Birth of Aviation' panel commemorates the Wright brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903.
What does the 'Discovery of Gold in California' panel depict?
Answer: Prospectors digging and panning for gold during the California Gold Rush.
Explanation: The 'Discovery of Gold in California' panel depicts prospectors engaged in digging and panning for gold during the California Gold Rush.
What event is shown in the 'Oglethorpe and the Indians' panel of the frieze?
Answer: James Oglethorpe meeting with Muskogee leaders in Savannah.
Explanation: The 'Oglethorpe and the Indians' panel depicts James Oglethorpe meeting with Muskogee (Creek) leaders in Savannah, Georgia.
There are eight large, framed historical paintings displayed in niches within the rotunda, all measuring 12 by 18 feet.
Answer: True
Explanation: The rotunda features eight large historical paintings, each measuring 12 by 18 feet, displayed in its niches.
John Trumbull was commissioned in 1817 to paint four scenes from the American Revolution, which were subsequently placed in the rotunda between 1819 and 1824.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Trumbull received a commission in 1817 to paint four American Revolution scenes, which were installed in the rotunda between 1819 and 1824.
Trumbull's 'Declaration of Independence' painting accurately depicts all 56 signers of the Declaration.
Answer: False
Explanation: Trumbull's 'Declaration of Independence' painting is historically inaccurate, depicting only 42 of the 56 signers and including four non-signers.
The Battle of Saratoga, depicted in Trumbull's 'Surrender of General Burgoyne', was a crucial American victory that secured French military assistance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Saratoga, as portrayed in Trumbull's painting, was a pivotal American victory that led to French military support during the Revolutionary War.
In Trumbull's 'Surrender of Lord Cornwallis', George Washington is shown directly accepting the sword of surrender from Lord Cornwallis.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Trumbull's 'Surrender of Lord Cornwallis', Washington declined to receive the sword directly from Charles O'Hara, who represented Cornwallis; General Benjamin Lincoln accepted it instead.
George Washington's resignation of his commission, as depicted by Trumbull, established a tradition of military dictatorship in the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: George Washington's resignation of his commission established a powerful tradition of civilian control over the military, rejecting military dictatorship in favor of liberal democracy.
Which artist was commissioned in 1817 to paint four scenes from the American Revolution for the rotunda?
Answer: John Trumbull
Explanation: John Trumbull was commissioned by Congress in 1817 to paint four scenes from the American Revolution for the rotunda.
Which of John Trumbull's paintings in the rotunda depicts the Committee of Five presenting the drafted Declaration to the Second Continental Congress?
Answer: 'Declaration of Independence'
Explanation: John Trumbull's 'Declaration of Independence' painting depicts the Committee of Five presenting the drafted Declaration to the Second Continental Congress.
What historical event is depicted in John Trumbull's 'Surrender of General Burgoyne'?
Answer: The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga.
Explanation: John Trumbull's 'Surrender of General Burgoyne' depicts the British surrender following the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.
What important tradition did George Washington's resignation of his commission, as depicted by Trumbull, establish?
Answer: The tradition of civilian control over the military.
Explanation: George Washington's resignation of his commission established the powerful tradition of civilian control over the military in the United States.
The 'Landing of Columbus' painting by John Vanderlyn shows Columbus claiming land for the Kingdom of Portugal.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Vanderlyn's 'Landing of Columbus' depicts Christopher Columbus claiming land for the Kingdom of Castile, not Portugal.
William Henry Powell's 'Discovery of the Mississippi' depicts Hernando de Soto as the first European to see the Mississippi River in 1541.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Henry Powell's painting portrays Hernando de Soto, who is believed to be the first European to sight the Mississippi River in 1541.
John Gadsby Chapman's 'Baptism of Pocahontas' shows her baptism occurring in 1613, which helped foster peaceful relations with Tidewater tribes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Chapman's 'Baptism of Pocahontas' depicts the event believed to have occurred in 1613, contributing to peaceful relations between colonists and Native American tribes.
Robert Walter Weir's 'Embarkation of the Pilgrims' shows the Pilgrims departing from Southampton on the Mayflower.
Answer: False
Explanation: Robert Walter Weir's 'Embarkation of the Pilgrims' depicts the Pilgrims departing Delfshaven, South Holland, on the Speedwell, before transferring to the Mayflower in Southampton.
Which of the following paintings depicting the exploration and colonization of America was NOT added to the rotunda between 1840 and 1855?
Answer: 'Declaration of Independence' by John Trumbull
Explanation: John Trumbull's 'Declaration of Independence' is one of the four American Revolution paintings, commissioned in 1817 and placed between 1819 and 1824, not part of the later exploration and colonization series.
What historical event is portrayed in William Henry Powell's 'Discovery of the Mississippi'?
Answer: Hernando de Soto's sighting of the Mississippi River.
Explanation: William Henry Powell's 'Discovery of the Mississippi' depicts Hernando de Soto's sighting of the Mississippi River in 1541.
What scene is depicted in Robert Walter Weir's 'Embarkation of the Pilgrims'?
Answer: The Pilgrims departing Delfshaven, South Holland, on the Speedwell.
Explanation: Robert Walter Weir's 'Embarkation of the Pilgrims' depicts the Pilgrims departing Delfshaven, South Holland, on the ship Speedwell.
The 'Bust of Martin Luther King, Jr.' was commissioned by Congress in 1992 and unveiled in 1996.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Bust of Martin Luther King, Jr.' was commissioned by Congress in 1982 and unveiled in 1986, not 1992 and 1996.
The 'Portrait Monument' honoring women's suffrage pioneers was sculpted by Adelaide Johnson and has been continuously displayed in the Rotunda since its unveiling in 1921.
Answer: False
Explanation: While sculpted by Adelaide Johnson and unveiled in 1921, the 'Portrait Monument' was moved to the Capitol Crypt shortly after its unveiling and remained there for 75 years before returning to the Rotunda in 1997.
The James Garfield statue in the rotunda was created by Charles Niehaus, a native Ohioan, to commemorate the assassinated president.
Answer: True
Explanation: The marble statue of James Garfield in the rotunda was indeed sculpted by Charles Niehaus, an Ohioan, as a monument to the assassinated president.
Which presidents are represented by statues from the National Statuary Hall Collection in the rotunda?
Answer: George Washington, Andrew Jackson, James Garfield, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Harry S. Truman.
Explanation: Seven U.S. presidents are represented by statues from the National Statuary Hall Collection in the rotunda, including George Washington, Andrew Jackson, James Garfield, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and Harry S. Truman.
What is the 'Portrait Monument' in the rotunda, and who does it honor?
Answer: A group portrait monument honoring pioneers of the women's suffrage movement.
Explanation: The 'Portrait Monument' honors Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, pioneers of the women's suffrage movement.
The United States Capitol rotunda is primarily used as a legislative chamber for joint sessions of Congress.
Answer: False
Explanation: The rotunda primarily serves as a national showcase for art, a public space, and a venue for ceremonial events, not as a legislative chamber.
During the American Civil War, the rotunda was temporarily used as a storage facility for government documents.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the American Civil War, the rotunda was temporarily repurposed as a military hospital for Union soldiers.
The main distinction between 'lying in state' and 'lying in honor' in the Capitol rotunda is the type of casket used.
Answer: False
Explanation: The main distinction between 'lying in state' and 'lying in honor' pertains to the status of the deceased (elected official/military officer vs. private citizen) and the composition of the guard of honor (Armed Forces vs. Capitol Police).
Rosa Parks and Billy Graham are among the private citizens who have lain in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rosa Parks and Billy Graham are indeed listed among the private citizens who have lain in honor in the Capitol Rotunda.
The Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War, who lay in state in 1984, was later identified as Michael Blassie.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War, who lay in state in 1984, was subsequently identified as Michael Blassie.
The Capitol rotunda measures 96 feet in diameter and extends 180 feet 3 inches to the canopy of the dome.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Capitol rotunda's dimensions are 96 feet in diameter and 180 feet 3 inches in height to the dome's canopy.
What is the primary function of the United States Capitol rotunda today?
Answer: To act as a national showcase for art, a public space, and a venue for ceremonial events.
Explanation: The rotunda serves as a national showcase for art, a public space, and a venue for ceremonial events, as authorized by Congress.
What temporary use did the rotunda serve during the American Civil War?
Answer: A military hospital for Union soldiers
Explanation: During the American Civil War, the rotunda was temporarily repurposed as a military hospital, providing care for Union soldiers.
What is the key distinction between 'lying in state' and 'lying in honor' in the Capitol rotunda?
Answer: Lying in state is for elected officials/military officers with an Armed Forces guard, while lying in honor is for private citizens with a Capitol Police guard.
Explanation: The distinction between 'lying in state' and 'lying in honor' is based on the deceased's status and the composition of the honor guard.
Which of the following individuals has NOT lain in state in the Capitol rotunda?
Answer: Rosa Parks
Explanation: Rosa Parks lay in honor, a distinction reserved for private citizens, whereas Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan all lay in state.
What is the diameter of the Capitol rotunda?
Answer: 96 feet (29 meters)
Explanation: The Capitol rotunda measures 96 feet (29 meters) in diameter.
Which of the following Chief Justices has lain in state in the United States Supreme Court Building, rather than the Capitol rotunda?
Answer: Earl Warren
Explanation: Chief Justice Earl Warren is among the notable individuals who have lain in state in the United States Supreme Court Building, rather than the Capitol rotunda.