What are the primary dimensions of the United States Capitol dome?

The United States Capitol dome stands at a height of 288 feet (88 meters) and has a diameter of 96 feet (29 meters). These measurements define its imposing scale above the building's rotunda.

Who was the designer of the current United States Capitol dome, and when was it constructed?

The current United States Capitol dome was designed by Thomas U. Walter, who served as the fourth Architect of the Capitol. Its construction took place between 1855 and 1866.

What was the approximate cost of constructing the current Capitol dome, and what is its equivalent value in 2023?

The construction of the current Capitol dome cost $1,047,291. This amount is equivalent to approximately $17.1 million in 2023, reflecting significant inflation over time.

What iconic statue crowns the lantern atop the United States Capitol dome?

The Statue of Freedom is situated atop the lantern on the United States Capitol dome. This prominent statue is a significant feature of the dome's silhouette.

How is the United States Capitol dome positioned in relation to Washington D.C.'s street grid?

The dome is centered over the origin point on street maps of Washington, D.C. This signifies its central importance in the city's layout and planning.

What material is the United States Capitol dome primarily made of, and what does it resemble?

The dome is constructed from cast iron, meticulously painted to resemble the stone used for the rest of the Capitol building. This technique allows for a cohesive aesthetic appearance while utilizing a different structural material.

Describe the structural composition of the Capitol dome.

The Capitol dome is actually a double structure, consisting of an inner and an outer dome. This design contributes to its stability and internal volume.

What is the total weight of the cast iron used in the Capitol dome?

The total weight of the cast iron in the dome is approximately 9.1 million pounds, which is equivalent to about 4,100 tons. This substantial weight underscores the engineering feat involved in its construction.

Which foundry was responsible for supplying and constructing the cast iron frame of the Capitol dome?

The iron foundry Janes, Fowler, Kirtland & Co., located in the Bronx, New York, supplied and constructed the cast iron frame for the dome. This company played a crucial role in the dome's fabrication.

What artistic elements are featured within the interior of the Capitol dome?

The interior of the dome features intricate geometric and floral patterns rendered in lightly colored plasterwork. It also prominently displays Constantino Brumidi's monumental ceiling fresco, 'The Apotheosis of Washington,' within the oculus at the top of the inner dome.

What was the origin of the initial dome design for the United States Capitol?

The origin of the first dome design traces back to a Capitol design contest sponsored by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, at the request of President George Washington, in 1792. The winning design by Doctor William Thornton included a dome, drawing inspiration from the Roman Pantheon.

How did Benjamin Henry Latrobe modify William Thornton's original dome design?

Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the second Architect of the Capitol, altered Thornton's exterior design by incorporating an octagonal drum. This addition served to visually separate the base of the dome from the building's pediment.

What changes did Charles Bulfinch make to the Capitol dome plans?

Charles Bulfinch, the third Architect of the Capitol, further modified the exterior profile by increasing the dome's height. He stated this change was made at the insistence of the President and Congress.

When were funds appropriated for the first dome, and what did this appropriation include?

In 1822, Bulfinch secured an appropriation of $120,000, signed off by President James Monroe. This funding was designated for the construction of a double-dome structure, comprising an interior dome of stone, brick, and wood rising 96 feet above the rotunda floor, and an exterior wooden dome covered in copper that would reach 140 feet.

What was the approximate height and diameter of the first dome completed in 1823?

The interior dome of the first structure reached 96 feet (29 meters) above the rotunda floor, matching the dimensions of the Pantheon. The exterior copper dome rose to 140 feet (43 meters) and featured a 24-foot wide oculus for illumination.

Why was the first dome, completed by Charles Bulfinch, eventually replaced?

The first dome was replaced due to the significant growth of the United States and the expansion of Congress, which made the original dome appear aesthetically displeasing and inadequate in scale. Extensions to the north and south wings of the Capitol building, under Thomas U. Walter's guidance, further highlighted the original dome's diminished appearance.

When did Congress approve the construction of a new, larger dome?

Congress passed legislation to build a bigger dome in 1855, following lobbying efforts by Thomas U. Walter and Montgomery C. Meigs. This decision was driven by the need for a dome that better suited the enlarged Capitol building.

What were the primary motivations for designing a new cast iron dome in the 1850s?

The primary motivations for designing a new cast iron dome were aesthetic considerations, aiming for a more impressive structure, and the practical utility of a fire-proof material. Cast iron offered both visual appeal and enhanced safety compared to the previous dome's materials.

Which European domes influenced Thomas U. Walter's design for the second Capitol dome?

Thomas U. Walter was influenced by several prominent European domes, including the Pantheon in Paris, St. Paul's Cathedral in London, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and the Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. The latter, by Auguste de Montferrand, was notable for being one of the first to feature an iron frame.

How did William Allen describe Thomas Ustick Walter's initial design for the second dome?

William Allen, Historian of the Capitol, described Walter's first design as a tall, ellipsoidal dome supported by a two-story drum encircled by forty columns forming a peristyle. The upper drum featured decorated pilasters and a bracketed attic, crowned by a statue on a slender, columned tholus.

When was the appropriation made for the construction of the second Capitol dome, and by whom?

The appropriation of $100,000 for the construction of the second Capitol dome was signed into law by President Franklin Pierce on March 3, 1855. This marked the official beginning of the project.

What practical design changes were made to Walter's second dome plans before construction began?

Before construction commenced, practical adjustments were made to Walter's original design, notably the reduction of the supporting columns from 40 to 36. These modifications likely addressed structural or logistical considerations.

How was the construction of the second dome supported internally?

A unique scaffold was erected inside the rotunda to support the construction, designed to keep weight away from the center of the floor, which was considered weak. A crane, powered by a steam engine fueled by salvaged wood from the old dome, was also installed within the rotunda to aid the process.

When was the Statue of Freedom placed atop the new Capitol dome?

The Statue of Freedom was placed atop the dome on December 2, 1863. This significant milestone occurred while the dome was still under construction.

Who completed the Capitol dome after Thomas Walter resigned?

Edward Clark, Walter's replacement as Architect of the Capitol, assumed the role of finishing the final aspects of the dome after Thomas Walter resigned in 1865. Clark oversaw the dome's completion.

When was the construction of the United States Capitol dome officially considered complete?

Construction of the United States Capitol dome was considered complete in January 1866, shortly after Constantino Brumidi removed the scaffolding used for his fresco work on the 'Apotheosis of Washington' above the inner dome's oculus.

What was the total amount of iron used in the construction of the second dome?

A total of 8,909,200 pounds (4,041.1 metric tons) of iron were utilized in the construction of the second dome. This highlights the significant amount of material required for the project.

What are the interior and exterior heights of the completed second dome?

The interior dome rises 180 feet (55 meters) above the rotunda floor, while the exterior dome ascends to 288 feet (88 meters), including the height of the Statue of Freedom. These dimensions emphasize the dome's grandeur.

How is access to the Capitol dome typically managed for visitors?

Visitation to the Capitol dome is highly restricted, generally offered only to members of Congress and their invited guests. This limited access preserves the structure and ensures security.

Describe the visitor experience when ascending within the Capitol dome.

Visitors ascend a series of metal stairs situated between the inner and outer domes. They can reach a balcony beneath the 'Apotheosis of Washington' fresco, where the painting appears curved and distorted due to the perspective. Further stairs lead to an exterior balcony below the tholos and the Statue of Freedom.

What is the function of the Session or Convene light within the dome's tholos?

The Session or Convene light, located within the columned tholos supporting the Statue of Freedom, indicates when one or both chambers of Congress are in session during the night. It serves as a visual signal of legislative activity.

When did restoration and conservation work occur on the Capitol Dome's peristyle and skirting?

Restoration and conservation of the Capitol Dome's cantilevered peristyle and skirting took place in 2012. This work addressed the upkeep of the dome's exterior architectural elements.

What was the scope of the $10 million repair and conservation project announced in 2013?

The tentative four-year, $10 million project announced in 2013 involved both interior work in the rotunda and exterior work on the dome. It included erecting scaffolding, stripping paint, repairing ironwork, repainting the dome, and installing new lighting, addressing issues of rust and falling ironwork.

Why was the repair and conservation of the Capitol dome deemed necessary in the early 2010s?

The dome, which had not undergone significant repair and conservation since 1960, was showing signs of rust, and some ironwork had begun to fall from the structure. These issues necessitated a comprehensive restoration project.

What was the cost and duration of the major restoration project that began in 2014?

A $60 million, two-year restoration project commenced in early 2014. This extensive work aimed to repair and conserve the dome's structure and appearance.

What specific repair techniques were employed during the 2014 restoration project?

During the 2014 restoration, steel pins and 'metal stitching' were used to repair cracks in the ironwork. Additionally, interior water damage was addressed, and the exterior underwent paint removal, priming, and repainting.

When was scaffolding erected around the Capitol dome for the 2014 restoration, and when was it removed?

Scaffolding was erected around the dome in November 2014. All exterior scaffolding was removed by the end of summer 2016, ahead of the 2017 presidential inauguration.

Where are papers relating to the construction of the Capitol dome archived?

Papers pertaining to the construction of the Capitol dome are preserved and accessible at the Cornell University Library, where they are cataloged as Collection No. 3244.

What does the image from January 2006 depict regarding the Capitol dome?

The image from January 2006 shows the dome of the United States Capitol building at night. It is notably topped by the Statue of Freedom.

What does the image from 1846 illustrate about the Capitol's appearance?

The image from 1846 depicts the United States Capitol building after the addition of Charles Bulfinch's dome. This visual reference shows the dome as it appeared before the construction of the current, larger dome.

What does the 1859 cross-section drawing by Thomas Ustick Walter illustrate?

The 1859 cross-section drawing by Thomas Ustick Walter provides a detailed view of the dome's structure and its supporting framework. It offers insight into the engineering and design of the second Capitol dome.

What event is captured in the image from March 4, 1861, related to the Capitol dome?

The image from March 4, 1861, captures the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln. The unfinished Capitol dome is visible in the background, indicating the ongoing construction during this significant historical event.

What artwork by Constantino Brumidi is featured in the oculus of the inner dome?

Constantino Brumidi's monumental fresco, 'The Apotheosis of Washington,' is featured in the oculus at the top of the inner dome. This artwork is a significant element of the dome's interior decoration.

What does the gallery image titled 'Capitol dome lantern Washington' show?

The gallery image titled 'Capitol dome lantern Washington' displays the Statue of Freedom, which is a bronze statue that has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol since 1863.

What does the gallery image titled 'Washington DC Capitol Dome May 1993' illustrate?

The gallery image from May 1993 shows scaffolding on the Capitol dome, specifically during the restoration of the Statue of Freedom. This indicates past maintenance and conservation efforts.

What perspective is offered by the gallery image 'Capitol Rotunda Floor from Balcony Above'?

The gallery image 'Capitol Rotunda Floor from Balcony Above' provides a view looking down at the floor of the Rotunda from an interior balcony. This vantage point is located directly beneath the 'Apotheosis of Washington' fresco, approximately 180 feet above the floor.

On what U.S. commemorative coin does the Capitol dome appear?

The dome appears on the obverse side of the 1989 Congress Bicentennial commemorative $5 Gold Half Eagle coin. This signifies the dome's iconic status as a symbol of the United States.

What does the gallery image 'US Capitol Dome at sunrise' depict?

The gallery image 'US Capitol Dome at sunrise' captures the iconic dome of the U.S. Capitol building illuminated by the early morning light of sunrise. It showcases the dome's architectural beauty against the dawn sky.

United States Capitol Dome Wiki: The Capitol's Crown: An Architectural Marvel of the United States Capitol Dome

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Overview

Dimensions and Scale

The United States Capitol dome is a monumental structure situated directly above the building's rotunda. It stands 288 feet (88 meters) in height and possesses a diameter of 96 feet (29 meters).

Cost and Architect

Designed by Thomas U. Walter, the fourth Architect of the Capitol, its construction spanned from 1855 to 1866. The project incurred a cost of $1,047,291, which is equivalent to approximately $17.1 million in 2023 dollars.

Symbolic Placement

Crowned by the Statue of Freedom atop its lantern, the dome is strategically centered over the origin point on official street maps of Washington, D.C., signifying its central importance.

Historical Evolution

The First Dome (1823-1855)

The genesis of the Capitol's dome traces back to a design contest sponsored by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson in 1792. The winning design by Dr. William Thornton envisioned a dome, drawing inspiration from the Roman Pantheon and Neoclassical architecture.

Subsequent Architects of the Capitol refined the design. Benjamin Henry Latrobe added an octagonal drum to visually separate the dome from the building's pediment. Charles Bulfinch further increased the dome's height, responding to presidential and congressional directives. Bulfinch completed this initial double-dome structure, featuring an interior stone/brick dome and an exterior copper-covered wooden dome with an oculus, in 1823.

However, with the nation's growth and the expansion of the Capitol's wings in the 1850s, the original dome appeared disproportionately small and drew criticism. This led to legislative action in 1855 to construct a larger, more fitting dome.

Growth and Need for Change

The expansion of the United States and the corresponding increase in the size of Congress necessitated a larger Capitol building. The extensions to the north and south wings, completed under Architect Thomas U. Walter, rendered the original Bulfinch dome aesthetically incongruous and prompted the drive for a new, grander structure.

Architectural Vision

European Influences

Thomas U. Walter, influenced by the grand domes of Europe, studied structures such as the Pantheon in Paris, St. Paul's Cathedral in London, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. His design aimed for both aesthetic grandeur and functional fire-proofing, utilizing cast iron.

Walter's Initial Concept

Walter's preliminary design featured a tall, ellipsoidal dome atop a two-story drum encircled by a peristyle of forty columns. The upper drum was adorned with pilasters and a bracketed attic, culminating in a slender, columned tholus supporting a statue. This design was presented in a seven-foot drawing that garnered significant attention from Congress in 1854.

Building the Icon

Materials and Process

Construction of the current cast iron dome commenced in September 1855, following the appropriation of $100,000 by President Franklin Pierce. The process involved removing the old dome and erecting a unique internal scaffold system. A steam-powered crane, fueled by salvaged wood from the previous dome, was utilized for lifting materials.

Weight and Composition

The dome is not constructed of stone but of cast iron, meticulously painted to match the appearance of the building's stone facade. It comprises two concentric domes, weighing a total of approximately 9.1 million pounds (4,100 metric tons). The iron framework was fabricated by Janes, Fowler, Kirtland & Co. of the Bronx, New York.

Timeline and Completion

The construction spanned over eleven years. Thomas U. Walter resigned in 1865, and his successor, Edward Clark, oversaw the final aspects. Constantino Brumidi completed his fresco work in the oculus in January 1866, marking the dome's official completion. The total cost reached $1,047,291.

The Statue of Freedom

Crowning the Dome

The iconic Statue of Freedom, a bronze sculpture, was placed atop the dome's lantern on December 2, 1863. Its placement required Walter to revise the dome's design, as the statue was delivered taller and heavier than initially specified.

Symbolism

Standing proudly at the apex of the dome, the Statue of Freedom symbolizes liberty and represents the nation's enduring ideals. It is an integral part of the Capitol's visual identity and national significance.

Inside the Dome

The Apotheosis of Washington

The interior of the dome features intricate geometric and floral plasterwork. Dominating the oculus at the apex of the inner dome is Constantino Brumidi's monumental fresco, The Apotheosis of Washington, completed in 1865.

Visitor Experience

Access to the dome's interior is highly restricted, typically reserved for members of Congress and their guests. Visitors ascend narrow metal stairs situated between the inner and outer domes, reaching a balcony beneath the fresco. Further stairs lead to the exterior balcony below the tholos and into the Statue of Freedom for maintenance.

Session Light

Within the columned tholos, directly beneath the Statue of Freedom, is the Session or Convene light. This light signifies when either chamber of Congress is in session during the night.

Preservation Efforts

Ongoing Maintenance

The dome, last significantly repaired in 1960, required extensive restoration due to rust and deteriorating ironwork. A major restoration project was announced in 2013, involving repairs to both interior and exterior elements.

A $60 million, two-year restoration project began in early 2014. This comprehensive effort included stripping paint, repairing cracks using steel pins and "metal stitching," repainting the entire structure, and addressing internal water damage. Scaffolding was erected in November 2014 and removed by the summer of 2016, ensuring the dome was fully restored in time for the 2017 presidential inauguration.

Archival Records

Detailed papers concerning the construction of the Capitol Dome are preserved in the archives at Cornell University Library, forming Collection No. 3244.

Visual Highlights

Statue of Freedom

The majestic bronze statue crowning the dome, symbolizing liberty and the nation's ideals.

Restoration Scaffolding

Images from past restorations, such as the 1993 work, show the extensive scaffolding required to maintain the dome's integrity.

Interior Perspective

A view from the interior balcony, looking up towards the base of The Apotheosis of Washington fresco, approximately 180 feet above the rotunda floor.

Numismatic Representation

The dome's distinctive silhouette featured on the obverse of the 1989 Congress Bicentennial commemorative $5 Gold Half Eagle coin.

Iconic Silhouette

The U.S. Capitol Dome captured against the backdrop of the American flag, a powerful symbol of the nation.

Illuminated Majesty

The U.S. Capitol Building, including its dome, illuminated at night, showcasing its grandeur against the city skyline.

Dawn's Embrace

The Capitol Dome bathed in the warm light of sunrise, highlighting its architectural form.

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References

Collection No. 3244

A full list of references for this article are available at the United States Capitol dome Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

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The Capitol's Crown

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📏 Dimensions and Scale

💰 Cost and Architect

📍 Symbolic Placement

Historical Evolution 📜

🏛️ The First Dome (1823-1855)

📈 Growth and Need for Change

Architectural Vision 📐

🌍 European Influences

✨ Walter's Initial Concept

Building the Icon 🏗️

⚙️ Materials and Process

⚖️ Weight and Composition

⏳ Timeline and Completion

The Statue of Freedom 👑

⬆️ Crowning the Dome

🌟 Symbolism

Inside the Dome 🖼️

🎨 The Apotheosis of Washington

👀 Visitor Experience

💡 Session Light

Preservation Efforts 🛠️

⏳ Ongoing Maintenance

📜 Archival Records

Visual Highlights 🖼️

🌟 Statue of Freedom

🏗️ Restoration Scaffolding

👀 Interior Perspective

💰 Numismatic Representation

🇺🇸 Iconic Silhouette

🌃 Illuminated Majesty

🌅 Dawn's Embrace

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Dimensions and Scale

Cost and Architect

Symbolic Placement

Historical Evolution

The First Dome (1823-1855)

Growth and Need for Change

Architectural Vision

European Influences

Walter's Initial Concept

Building the Icon

Materials and Process

Weight and Composition

Timeline and Completion

The Statue of Freedom

Crowning the Dome

Symbolism

Inside the Dome

The Apotheosis of Washington

Visitor Experience

Session Light

Preservation Efforts

Ongoing Maintenance

Archival Records

Visual Highlights

Statue of Freedom

Restoration Scaffolding

Interior Perspective

Numismatic Representation

Iconic Silhouette

Illuminated Majesty

Dawn's Embrace

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice