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The initial dome design contest was sponsored by President George Washington in 1792.
Answer: True
The origin of the first Capitol dome concept traces back to a design contest sponsored by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, at the request of President George Washington, in 1792.
Benjamin Henry Latrobe modified the original dome design by increasing its overall height significantly.
Answer: False
Benjamin Henry Latrobe altered the original dome design by incorporating an octagonal drum, which served to visually separate the dome's base from the building's pediment, rather than primarily increasing its height.
Charles Bulfinch was responsible for adding the octagonal drum to the dome's base.
Answer: False
Charles Bulfinch, the third Architect of the Capitol, further modified the exterior profile by increasing the dome's height, not by adding the octagonal drum, which was an earlier modification by Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
The first dome's exterior reached a height of 96 feet, matching the interior dimension.
Answer: False
The interior dome of the first structure reached 96 feet, while the exterior copper dome ascended to approximately 140 feet.
The first dome, designed by Charles Bulfinch, was replaced because it was structurally unsound.
Answer: False
The first dome was replaced primarily because its scale was deemed inadequate and aesthetically displeasing in relation to the significantly expanded Capitol building and the growing nation.
Who requested the design contest in 1792 that originated the first Capitol dome concept?
Answer: George Washington
The design contest that led to the initial concept for the Capitol dome was requested by President George Washington.
What modification did Benjamin Henry Latrobe make to the initial dome design?
Answer: He added an octagonal drum.
Benjamin Henry Latrobe modified the initial dome design by incorporating an octagonal drum, which served to visually separate the dome's base from the building's pediment.
Which architect is credited with increasing the height of the first Capitol dome?
Answer: Charles Bulfinch
Charles Bulfinch, the third Architect of the Capitol, is credited with increasing the height of the first Capitol dome.
Why was Charles Bulfinch's first dome, completed in 1823, eventually replaced?
Answer: It was deemed too small for the expanded Capitol building and nation.
The first dome was replaced because its scale became inadequate and aesthetically displeasing relative to the significantly expanded Capitol building and the growing United States.
Which of the following European domes served as an influence for Thomas U. Walter's design?
Answer: St. Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg
Thomas U. Walter's design for the second Capitol dome was influenced by several European domes, notably including Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg.
Thomas U. Walter designed the current United States Capitol dome, with construction occurring between 1855 and 1866.
Answer: True
The current United States Capitol dome was designed by Thomas U. Walter, with its construction period spanning from 1855 to 1866.
The construction cost of the current Capitol dome was roughly $1 million, equivalent to about $17.1 million in 2023.
Answer: True
The construction of the current Capitol dome incurred a cost of approximately $1,047,291, which equates to about $17.1 million in 2023 dollars.
The Capitol dome is primarily constructed from marble, painted to resemble cast iron.
Answer: False
The Capitol dome is primarily constructed from cast iron, which is then painted to aesthetically resemble stone, creating a cohesive appearance with the rest of the building.
The total weight of the cast iron used in the dome exceeds 10 million pounds.
Answer: False
The total weight of the cast iron utilized in the construction of the dome is approximately 9.1 million pounds.
The cast iron frame for the dome was supplied by a foundry located in Philadelphia.
Answer: False
The cast iron frame for the dome was supplied and constructed by Janes, Fowler, Kirtland & Co., a foundry based in the Bronx, New York.
Legislation approving the construction of a new, larger dome was passed in 1865.
Answer: False
Congress passed legislation approving the construction of the new, larger dome in 1855, not 1865.
A primary motivation for the new cast iron dome was its fire-proof nature.
Answer: True
Beyond aesthetic considerations for a more imposing structure, the fire-proof properties of cast iron were a significant practical motivation for its selection in the design of the new dome.
Thomas U. Walter's design for the second dome was primarily influenced by the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Answer: True
Thomas U. Walter drew inspiration from several European domes, including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, as well as St. Paul's Cathedral in London and Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, among others.
William Allen described Walter's initial design as featuring a single-story drum with 36 columns.
Answer: False
William Allen described Walter's initial design for the second dome's drum as featuring forty columns, not thirty-six. The number was later reduced to 36 before construction commenced.
The appropriation for the second Capitol dome was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln.
Answer: False
The appropriation for the second Capitol dome was signed into law by President Franklin Pierce on March 3, 1855.
Before construction began, Walter's second dome plans were modified to increase the number of supporting columns from 36 to 40.
Answer: False
Walter's initial design featured 40 columns, but practical adjustments were made before construction began, reducing the number to 36.
A unique scaffold was erected inside the rotunda, and a crane powered by a steam engine was used to support the construction of the second dome.
Answer: True
During the construction of the second dome, a specialized scaffold was erected within the rotunda to manage structural loads, and a steam-powered crane, utilizing salvaged materials, was employed for lifting components.
The United States Capitol dome was officially completed in 1855.
Answer: False
Construction of the United States Capitol dome was officially considered complete in January 1866, not 1855.
The image from March 4, 1861, shows the completed Capitol dome during Abraham Lincoln's inauguration.
Answer: False
The image from March 4, 1861, depicts the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, with the Capitol dome visible in the background in an unfinished state, indicating ongoing construction.
What is the primary material used in the construction of the United States Capitol dome?
Answer: Cast iron
The primary material utilized in the construction of the United States Capitol dome is cast iron.
Who designed the current United States Capitol dome?
Answer: Thomas U. Walter
The current United States Capitol dome was designed by Thomas U. Walter, who served as the fourth Architect of the Capitol.
Which New York-based foundry was responsible for the cast iron frame of the dome?
Answer: Janes, Fowler, Kirtland & Co.
The foundry responsible for supplying and constructing the cast iron frame of the dome was Janes, Fowler, Kirtland & Co., located in the Bronx, New York.
In what year did Congress approve the construction of the new, larger cast iron dome?
Answer: 1855
Congress approved the construction of the new, larger cast iron dome in 1855.
Besides aesthetics, what was a key practical motivation for choosing cast iron for the new dome?
Answer: Its fire-proof properties
A significant practical motivation for selecting cast iron for the new dome, in addition to aesthetic considerations, was its inherent fire-proof nature.
How many columns did Thomas U. Walter's *initial* design feature for the second dome's drum?
Answer: 40
Thomas U. Walter's initial design for the second dome's drum featured forty supporting columns.
Which U.S. President signed the appropriation law for the construction of the second Capitol dome on March 3, 1855?
Answer: Franklin Pierce
President Franklin Pierce signed the appropriation law for the construction of the second Capitol dome on March 3, 1855.
In what month and year was the construction of the United States Capitol dome officially considered complete?
Answer: January 1866
The construction of the United States Capitol dome was officially considered complete in January 1866.
What does the image dated March 4, 1861, depict in relation to the Capitol dome?
Answer: The dome under construction during Lincoln's inauguration.
The image from March 4, 1861, captures Abraham Lincoln's inauguration, showing the Capitol dome in an unfinished state, indicative of the ongoing construction at that time.
The United States Capitol dome has a diameter of approximately 96 feet.
Answer: True
The United States Capitol dome has a diameter of approximately 96 feet, with its total height reaching 288 feet.
The iconic statue crowning the lantern atop the dome is named 'The Statue of Freedom.'
Answer: True
The prominent statue situated atop the lantern of the United States Capitol dome is officially named 'The Statue of Freedom.'
The Capitol dome is positioned slightly west of the central origin point of Washington D.C.'s street grid.
Answer: False
The Capitol dome is centrally located over the origin point of Washington D.C.'s street grid, signifying its importance in the city's layout.
The Capitol dome is a single, solid structure without internal divisions.
Answer: False
The Capitol dome is a double structure, comprising both an inner and an outer dome, which contributes to its stability and internal volume.
The interior of the dome features Brumidi's fresco 'The Apotheosis of Washington' and simple geometric plasterwork.
Answer: True
The interior of the dome is adorned with intricate geometric and floral plasterwork, as well as Constantino Brumidi's monumental fresco, 'The Apotheosis of Washington,' located in the oculus.
The Statue of Freedom was placed atop the dome in 1855, the same year construction began.
Answer: False
The Statue of Freedom was hoisted to its position atop the dome on December 2, 1863, well after construction commenced in 1855.
Approximately 4,100 pounds of cast iron were used in the construction of the second dome.
Answer: False
The construction of the second dome utilized approximately 9.1 million pounds of cast iron, a significantly larger quantity than 4,100 pounds.
The interior of the completed second dome rises 180 feet above the rotunda floor.
Answer: True
The interior height of the completed second Capitol dome measures 180 feet above the rotunda floor.
The Session or Convene light is located on the exterior of the dome to signal legislative activity.
Answer: False
The Session or Convene light is situated within the tholos, an interior structure supporting the Statue of Freedom, and serves to signal legislative sessions occurring after dark.
The gallery image titled 'Capitol Rotunda Floor from Balcony Above' offers a view looking up towards the 'Apotheosis of Washington' fresco.
Answer: False
The gallery image 'Capitol Rotunda Floor from Balcony Above' provides a perspective looking down at the Rotunda floor from an interior balcony situated beneath the 'Apotheosis of Washington' fresco, not looking up towards it.
The Capitol dome appears on the reverse side of the 1989 Congress Bicentennial commemorative $5 Gold Half Eagle coin.
Answer: False
The Capitol dome appears on the obverse side, not the reverse side, of the 1989 Congress Bicentennial commemorative $5 Gold Half Eagle coin.
What is the name of the statue that crowns the lantern atop the Capitol dome?
Answer: The Statue of Freedom
The statue crowning the lantern atop the Capitol dome is named 'The Statue of Freedom'.
Approximately how much does the cast iron used in the Capitol dome weigh?
Answer: 9.1 million pounds
The total weight of the cast iron employed in the construction of the Capitol dome is approximately 9.1 million pounds.
What is the title of the monumental ceiling fresco located within the oculus of the inner dome?
Answer: The Apotheosis of Washington
The monumental ceiling fresco situated within the oculus of the inner dome is titled 'The Apotheosis of Washington'.
On what date was the Statue of Freedom hoisted to its position atop the new Capitol dome?
Answer: December 2, 1863
The Statue of Freedom was hoisted to its position atop the new Capitol dome on December 2, 1863.
What is the approximate interior height of the completed second Capitol dome?
Answer: 180 feet
The interior of the completed second Capitol dome rises approximately 180 feet above the rotunda floor.
What is the purpose of the Session or Convene light within the dome's tholos?
Answer: To signal when one or both chambers of Congress are in session after dark.
The Session or Convene light, located within the tholos, serves as a signal to indicate when one or both chambers of Congress are in session during nighttime hours.
The dome's central position over the origin point of Washington D.C.'s street grid signifies its importance as:
Answer: A key element in the city's layout and planning.
The Capitol dome's central placement relative to Washington D.C.'s street grid underscores its significance as a foundational element in the city's overall layout and urban planning.
What is the structural composition of the Capitol dome?
Answer: A double structure, consisting of an inner and an outer dome.
Structurally, the Capitol dome is composed as a double structure, featuring both an inner and an outer dome.
What was the approximate equivalent value of the dome's construction cost ($1,047,291) in the year 2023?
Answer: $17.1 million
The construction cost of the dome, approximately $1,047,291, is equivalent to about $17.1 million when adjusted for inflation to the year 2023.
Edward Clark completed the dome's final aspects after Thomas Walter resigned.
Answer: True
Following the resignation of Thomas U. Walter in 1865, Edward Clark, his successor as Architect of the Capitol, assumed responsibility for overseeing the final stages of the dome's completion.
Visitors can typically access the Capitol dome freely during public tours.
Answer: False
Access to the Capitol dome is generally restricted, typically limited to members of Congress and their invited guests, rather than being freely available on public tours.
Restoration work on the Capitol Dome's peristyle and skirting occurred in 2012.
Answer: True
In 2012, specific restoration and conservation efforts were undertaken on the Capitol Dome's cantilevered peristyle and skirting, addressing the upkeep of these exterior architectural elements.
The $10 million repair project announced in 2013 focused solely on interior rotunda work.
Answer: False
The repair and conservation project announced in 2013, with an initial estimate of $10 million, encompassed both interior work within the rotunda and exterior repairs on the dome itself.
The Capitol dome required significant repair in the early 2010s primarily due to outdated lighting systems.
Answer: False
The necessity for significant repair and conservation in the early 2010s stemmed primarily from issues such as rust accumulation and the deterioration of ironwork, leading to falling pieces, rather than outdated lighting systems.
During the 2014 restoration, cracks in the ironwork were repaired using welding techniques.
Answer: False
During the 2014 restoration, cracks in the ironwork were repaired using techniques such as steel pins and metal stitching, not welding.
Exterior scaffolding was erected around the Capitol dome in November 2014 and removed by the summer of 2017.
Answer: False
Exterior scaffolding was erected in November 2014 and was removed by the summer of 2016, preceding the 2017 presidential inauguration.
Papers relating to the Capitol dome's construction are archived at the Library of Congress.
Answer: False
Official papers and records pertaining to the construction of the Capitol dome are archived at the Cornell University Library, not the Library of Congress.
Who took over the role of completing the Capitol dome after Thomas Walter resigned?
Answer: Edward Clark
Edward Clark assumed the responsibility for completing the final aspects of the Capitol dome after Thomas U. Walter resigned from his position.
The 2012 restoration and conservation efforts focused on which parts of the Capitol Dome?
Answer: The cantilevered peristyle and skirting
The restoration and conservation efforts undertaken in 2012 specifically targeted the Capitol Dome's cantilevered peristyle and skirting.
What were the primary physical issues necessitating the dome's repair and conservation in the early 2010s?
Answer: Rust and falling pieces of ironwork.
The primary physical issues necessitating the dome's repair and conservation in the early 2010s were the presence of rust and the deterioration of ironwork, leading to concerns about falling pieces.
Where are official papers concerning the construction of the Capitol dome archived?
Answer: Cornell University Library
Official papers and records related to the construction of the Capitol dome are archived at the Cornell University Library.
During the 2014 restoration, what technique was used alongside steel pins to repair cracks in the ironwork?
Answer: Metal stitching
In addition to steel pins, the technique of metal stitching was employed to repair cracks found in the ironwork during the 2014 restoration project.